# arouse

/ɝˈaʊz/ (US) · /ɐɹˈaʊz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/arouse
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to cause a feeling or an emotion in someone. You use this when something makes you feel curious, angry, or excited.

For teachers: to cause a feeling, emotion, or state of being in someone. Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe the stimulation of the senses or the mind.

## Examples

- The loud music will arouse the neighbors.
- The professor's passionate speech was designed to arouse interest in the new research project among the students.
- The scent of fresh rain often arouses a sense of nostalgia in those who grew up in the countryside, triggering memories of childhood summers spent outdoors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.