First Known Use: 1531
Dictionary
1rouse
verb \ˈrau̇z\
: to wake (someone) from sleep
: to cause (someone who is tired or not interested) to become active
: to cause (an emotional response) in someone
rousedrous·ing
Full Definition of ROUSE
transitive verb
1
archaic : to cause to break from cover
2
intransitive verb
1
: to become aroused : awaken
2
: to become stirred
— rouse·ment \ˈrau̇z-mənt\ noun
— rous·er noun
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Origin of ROUSE
Middle English, to shake the feathers
2rouse
noun
Definition of ROUSE
: an act or instance of rousing; especially : an excited stir
First Known Use of ROUSE
1824
3rouse
noun
Definition of ROUSE
2
archaic : carousal
Origin of ROUSE
alteration (from misdivision of to drink carouse) of carouse
First Known Use: circa 1601
ROUSE Defined for Kids
rouse
verb \ˈrau̇z\
rousedrous·ing
Definition of ROUSE for Kids
1
: 1awake 1 <Lucy was such a light sleeper that stepping on a creaky floorboard … could easily rouse her. — Kevin Henkes, Olive's Ocean>
2
: to stir up : excite <The idea roused great interest.>
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