to bring out of a state of sleep, unconsciousness, inactivity, fancied security, apathy, depression, etc.

He was roused to action by courageous words.

to stir or incite to strong indignation or anger.

to cause (game) to start from a covert or lair.

Nautical . to pull by main strength; haul.

to come out of a state of sleep, unconsciousness, inactivity, apathy, depression, etc.

to start up from a covert or lair, as game.

a rousing.

a signal for rousing; reveille.

verb

nap , sleep , calm , disenchant , dull

verb

arouse , awake , awaken , call , get up , raise , rise , stir , wake up , aggravate , agitate , anger , animate , ask for it , bestir , bug * , challenge , craze , deepen , disturb , enhance , enliven , exhilarate , fire up , foment , galvanize , get going , heighten , incite , inflame , innervate , innerve , instigate , intensate , intensify , key up , kindle , magnify , make waves , mount , move , needle , pep up * , pique , provoke , quicken , rally , redouble , rile , startle , steam up * , trigger , urge , vivify , wake , waken , whet , whip up * , work up , alarm , excite , goad , motivate , revive , roust , start , stimulate