Meaning

(transitive) To stimulate or induce (feelings); pique..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To stimulate or induce (feelings); pique.
2. (transitive) To sexually stimulate.
3. (transitive) To wake from sleep or stupor; to rouse.

Example Sentences

to arouse compassion, jealousy, or anger

Those insults aroused me to anger.

“My tastes,” he said, still smiling, “incline me to the garishly sunlit side of this planet.” And, to tease her and arouse her to combat: “I prefer a farandole to a nocturne ; I'd rather have a painting than an etching ; Mr. Whistler bores me with his monochromatic mud; I don't like dull colours, dull sounds, dull intellects;[…].”

She removed Stranleigh’s coat with a dexterity that aroused his imagination.

His unruly hair was slicked down with water, and as Jessamy introduced him to Miss Brindle his face assumed a cherubic innocence which would immediately have aroused the suspicions of anyone who knew him.

[…] 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.

1996, Beruga (line translated by Dan Owsen), Terranigma. Nintendo of America. I have no idea who you are, but I thank you for arousing me.

He kenned not whether it was devil or mortal, but flung himself on the roadside and lay like a corp for an hour or more, till the rain aroused him.

Word Forms

• arouses
• arousing
• aroused

Synonyms for arouse

Antonyms for arouse

Related Words

When Should You Use Arouse?

Use arouse when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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