arrect

adjective

ar·​rect

(ˈ)a¦rekt

1

: rigidly erect : lifted up : raised

a rabbit with ears arrect

2

: attentive, alert

God speaks … to the vigilant and arrect

—George Smalridge

Word History

Etymology

Latin arrectus, past participle of arrigere to raise up, from ad- + -rigere (from regere to direct, guide)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!