Awaken: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in a more poetic or literary context. It can refer to waking up from sleep or becoming aware of something.

• The dream awakened memories of her childhood.
• At dawn, the village began to awaken.

Often used to indicate stirring up emotions or reactions. Can also have a physical or sexual connotation.

• His speech aroused a sense of patriotism among the listeners.
• The perfume aroused his senses.

Used to describe the state of being not asleep. It is also used figuratively to indicate becoming aware or alert.

• I have been awake since dawn.
• The news made her awake to the reality of the situation.

Typically used to indicate causing movement or a reaction. Can refer to waking up or to emotional agitation.

• The sound of the alarm stirred him from his sleep.
• The announcement stirred up a lot of excitement.

Used to describe waking someone up, often with some effort. Also means to stir emotions or action, typically used more with a sense of urgency.

• The loud noise roused everyone in the house.
• The speech roused the crowd to action.