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arouse
/əˈraʊz/
to stir up feelings or emotions
The speaker's passionate words aroused the audience.
The speaker's words stirred strong emotions in the audience.
general
to awaken or excite feelings, emotions, or desires
The movie's intense scenes aroused fear in the viewers.
The movie's intense scenes made the viewers feel fear.
His compliments aroused her curiosity.
His compliments made her feel curious.
Often used in contexts involving strong emotions or desires.
informal
to cause someone to become sexually excited
The romantic atmosphere aroused him.
The romantic atmosphere made him feel sexually excited.
This usage is more informal and can be considered suggestive.
Collocations
arouse suspicionto make someone suspiciousarouse interestto make someone curious or interestedarouse angerto make someone angry
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The word 'arouse' can have different meanings depending on the context. In formal contexts, it often refers to stirring up emotions or desires, while in informal contexts, it can refer to sexual excitement.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'arouse' carefully in formal contexts, as it can have suggestive meanings in informal settings.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'arousen', from Old French 'arouser', from Latin 'arrectus' (raised, erect), past participle of 'arrectare' (to raise).
Usage Notes
The word 'arouse' is often used in contexts involving strong emotions or desires. It can be used both literally and figuratively.
Word Breakdown
a-
to
prefixrouse
to wake up or stir
rootEnglish Dictionary