arouse

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to cause to become awake or conscious

   I am difficult to arouse some mornings.

2. 2
   verb

   to cause to be alert and energetic

   The dog was aroused by the neighbor's motorcycle.

3. 3
   verb

   to summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic

   I aroused the woodland creatures with my whistling.

4. 4
   verb

   to call forth emotions, feelings, and responses

   The incident aroused pity in all of us.

5. 5
   verb

   to stimulate sexually

   This movie usually arouses the male audience.

6. 6
   verb

   to begin moving

   I aroused from bed at the late hour of 11am.

7. 7
   verb

   To stimulate or induce (feelings); pique.

   to arouse compassion, jealousy, or anger

8. 8
   verb

   To sexually stimulate.

   […] grinding against their partners like burlesque performers, which even in parody Terry found erotic—reminding him of the Persian belly dancer he'd seen at the college, whose sensual dancing aroused him despite her claim of high art.

Etymology

From a- + rouse.