Words / B2

uh-ROWZ/əˈraʊz/

To arouse is to cause a feeling or reaction, or to wake someone from sleep: arouse concern; arouse suspicion; arouse from sleep. Provoke and stir are close twins; arise (to happen) is a different verb — classic trap. The footage aroused concern; still name the regulator. Mix-up: arise / rose; a rouse. Do not write arouse for a feeling that was already listed with no cause in the source.

Meaning

To cause a feeling or reaction, or to wake someone from sleep.

Examples

• “The footage aroused concern, the inquiry said; still name the regulator.”
• “Noises aroused the camp, which is the wake-from-sleep sense.”

Good to know

arouse concern / suspicion / interest / anger; arouse from sleep. Close: provoke / stir / awaken. Trap: arise. News, history, and literature. Cause a feeling, or wake someone — specify.

Near in meaning

provoke, stir, awaken

New