rouse

1 of 3

verb

roused; rousing

transitive verb

1
a
: to arouse from or as if from sleep or repose : awaken
b
: to stir up : excite
was roused to fury
2
archaic : to cause to break from cover

intransitive verb

1
: to become aroused : awaken
2
: to become stirred
rousement noun
rouser noun

rouse

2 of 3

noun (1)

: an act or instance of rousing
especially : an excited stir

rouse

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
archaic : carousal
2
obsolete : drink, toast

Examples of rouse in a Sentence

Verb I've been unable to rouse her. I was so tired I could barely rouse myself to prepare dinner. These animals are dangerous when roused. She was roused to anger by their indifference.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
That’s not exactly a rousing show of support for USC’s defensive front, which lost two of its most disruptive pieces — defensive end Anthony Lucas and linebacker Eric Gentry — for the season last week. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 In the trailer, Miyagi-Do sensei Johnny Lawrence gives a rousing speech to his pupils in preparation for the Sekai Taikai Karate World Championship. Jack Dunn, Variety, 23 Oct. 2024 To be released October 24 by luxury publisher Assouline, this hefty (10-by-13-inch, five-pound, 312-page) coffee-table tome showcases premiere vineyards, top wines, rousing adventures and sublime bliss. Laura Manske, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 The question is whether Prabowo will finally rouse this sleeping giant from its slumber. Charlie Campbell / Jakarta, TIME, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rouse 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, to shake the feathers

Noun (2)

alteration (from misdivision of to drink carouse) of carouse

First Known Use

Verb

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Noun (1)

1764, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of rouse was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near rouse

Cite this Entry

“Rouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rouse. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rouse

verb
ˈrau̇z
roused; rousing
1
2
: to make or become active : stir up

More from Merriam-Webster on rouse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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