To wake someone from sleep or to stir up emotions, interest, or activity. Can mean to provoke or incite action.
From Middle English, possibly related to Old French 'reuser' meaning to shake or disturb. The word evolved from physical awakening to metaphorical stirring of emotions or actions.
Rouse shares its root with 'arouse' and 'carouse' - three words that capture the spectrum from gentle awakening to passionate stirring to wild celebration, showing how one concept can branch into multiple life experiences.
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