Rouse Meaning and Definition
Rouse
Pronunciation
/rous/
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun
Definition
A verb: to stir up or provoke, especially to stir up (something, such as a feeling) in someone; to rouse someone from sleep or inactivity. A noun: a person or thing that causes someone to feel excited or motivated.
Examples
- The sound of the alarm roused me from my sleep.
- The leader’s speech will rouse the crowd.
Synonyms
- Stir
- Awaken
- Provoke
- Insight
Antonyms
- Sleep
- Indifference
Etymology
Old French rouser, from rouser, to rouse
Usage Notes
Rouse is often used to describe a strong emotional response, such as excitement or motivation. It can also be used to describe the act of awakening or stirring someone from sleep or inactivity.
Cultural References
In Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Pit and the Pendulum”, the narrator is roused from his despair by the sound of a group of people singing.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Rouse the devil: to stir up trouble or controversy
Related Words or Phrases
Stir, arouse, awaken, provoke, motivate
Collocations
rousing speech, rousing applause, rousing performance
Frequency of Use
Rouse is a relatively uncommon verb, but it is still widely used in formal and informal contexts.
Common Misspellings
Rouse is often misspelled as “eros”, “rousi”, or “arouse”.