arouse

Everyday

1. To arouse a feeling is to cause it, like interest, curiosity, anger or suspicion. tree →
2. (literary) To arouse someone is to wake them up. tree →
3. (adult) Grown-ups also use it in a sense that is not for school. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories and formal writing: «arouse suspicion», «arouse curiosity», «arouse interest». It tells the reader that something started a feeling.

Examples

• The strange noise aroused our curiosity. tree →
• His nervous face aroused the detective's suspicion. tree →
• The new library aroused a lot of interest. tree →
• The unfair rule aroused anger among the pupils. tree →
• She was aroused from sleep by the barking dog. tree →
• The trailer aroused excitement for the film. tree →
• Still the king's curiosity was so aroused that he would not give way. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Usually used with feelings: «arouse suspicion». Not the same as «rouse» (to wake someone or stir them to act), though close. Because of the adult sense, use with feelings («arouse curiosity») rather than about people.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means to wake up. The psalmist asks God to wake and act, as though He were asleep.

Interpretation. Tradition understands this as a figure of speech. God does not sleep, but the people feel He is silent and ask Him to show His help.

Examples

• Arouse Thyself, cast not off for ever. (Writings PSA.44.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD; for He is aroused out of His holy habitation. (Prophets ZEC.2.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, arouse Thyself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to any iniquitous traitors. (Writings PSA.59.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb. Usually used with feelings: «arouse suspicion». Not the same as «rouse» (to wake someone or stir them to act), though close. Because of the adult sense, use with feelings («arouse curiosity») rather than about people.