Games

Word of the Day

Video

Blog: Words at Play

My Faves

Dictionary

awaken

verb awak·en \ə-ˈwā-kən\

: to stop sleeping : to wake up

awak·enedawak·en·ing\-ˈwāk-niŋ, -ˈwā-kə-\

Full Definition of AWAKEN

: awake

— awak·en·er \-ˈwāk-nər, -ˈwā-kə-\ noun

See awaken defined for English-language learners

See awaken defined for kids

Origin of AWAKEN

Middle English, from Old English awæcnian, from a- + wæcnian to waken

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to AWAKEN

Synonyms: arouse, awake, wake, knock up [British], rouse, waken

Antonyms: lull

Rhymes with AWAKEN

rewaken, well-taken

AWAKEN Defined for Kids

awaken

verb awak·en \ə-ˈwā-kən\

awak·enedawak·en·ing

Definition of AWAKEN for Kids

: ¹awake

Learn More About AWAKEN

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "awaken"

Britannica English: Translation of "awaken" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: awakenmentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: awake All Words Near: awaken

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up awaken? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More