arouse
Meaning
to cause someone to have a particular feeling or reaction
to make someone feel sexually excited
to wake someone from sleep
Structure
Usage
the speaker's passionate words were intended to arouse patriotic fervor in the audience.
the scandalous report is likely to arouse considerable public anger.
he was aroused from a deep sleep by the sound of the telephone ringing.
Etymology
the word 'arouse' is formed from the intensifying prefix 'a-' attached to the verb 'rouse'. the core verb 'rouse' entered middle english from nautical language, likely related to middle low german 'rūsen' (to rush) or old norse 'rausa' (to rush, storm). the prefix 'a-', of old english and germanic lineage, serves to add force or direction to the action. thus, the literal sense of 'to stir up vigorously' evolved from its early use for waking someone or inciting animals to the modern, broader meanings of evoking feelings, reactions, or sexual excitement. the semantic shift retains the core idea of causing something latent to become active or manifest.
Analysis
a-: a prefix of Germanic origin, used as an intensifier meaning "on, in, into, towards". rouse: a verb of uncertain origin, likely from Old Norse or Middle Low German, meaning "to shake, stir, or excite".