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Definitions

rouse

[rouz] / raʊz /
VERB
wake
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arouse awake awaken get up stir wake up
STRONG
call raise rise
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm deaden go to sleep lull
STRONG
decrease drop ignore lessen lower stop
WEAK
disenchant dull nap sleep
VERB
stimulate, excite
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agitate arouse awaken disturb fire up galvanize heighten incite inflame kindle provoke rile startle stir trigger wake up whip up work up
STRONG
aggravate anger animate bestir bug challenge craze deepen enhance enliven exhilarate foment innervate instigate intensify magnify mount move needle pique quicken rally redouble rise urge vivify wake waken whet
WEAK
ask for it get going innerve intensate key up make waves pep up steam up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
appease calm comfort deter discourage dissuade halt lull make happy pacify please put out quiet soothe stop tranquilize
STRONG
dampen decline decrease dishearten drop dull fall fix lessen lower regress slow slump soften weaken
WEAK
disenchant nap sleep

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It did rouse huge cheers in the room.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

This nuclear-power startup says it can rouse the slow-moving industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

There is an overwhelming sense that Scotland's fate on Tuesday does not depend on what the handy Danes do, but what Clarke's team can conjure up and rouse from within themselves.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

The US pontiff urged the world to rouse itself from "the fatal lethargy in which we are immersed".

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

Then she would go to the nursery, where she would rouse and dress the children, take breakfast with them, and settle in for the day’s lessons.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing rouse

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"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act IV

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Native Son

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