rouse

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rouse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb meaning to "rouse or stir someone, usually to action or a certain feeling". For example: "The unexpected news roused fury in the crowd".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Or perhaps he's unwilling to speak candidly in front of his wife, or afraid to rouse the Cerberus of his unconscious mind.

The Guardian

Brazil's crestfallen players have admitted they will be scarred for life by the record defeat to Germany, with the humiliation having left the squad perplexed and pained as they somehow attempt to rouse themselves for Saturday's third-place play-off in Brasília.

The Guardian - Sport

But the two main parties – which both have their roots in the anti-communist Solidarity movement – fail to rouse much excitement.

The Guardian

The editorial concludes: We don't discount warnings that releasing the report might rouse anti-American sentiment in the near term.

The Guardian

"Even at 76, 77 years old, if he can rouse young people like that, he's the future," she said.

The Guardian

Though not before Julius had the opportunity to rouse the crowd.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The people who could rabble-rouse and were the most radical would rise to the top".

The Guardian

He says he took the decision four years ago largely on the advice of the Edgbaston groundsman Steve Rouse, who said it would be "a minefield".

The Guardian - Sport

In her book Understanding Fashion, the cultural historian Elizabeth Rouse explains: "Clothing is not a random or totally individual affair: it is a social activity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

London Irish Fenby; Lewington (Ojo, 61), Griffin, Sheridan, Fowlie; Geraghty (Noakes, 70), Steele (Allinson, 66); Court (Parr, 70), Paice Stevenss, 43), Aulika (Halavatau, 61), Skivington (capt), Rouse, Gilsenan (Sinclair, 62), Cowan, Guest (Narraway, 66).

The Guardian - Sport

The governor is "seeking to increase his stature among national conservative Republicans by demeaning his gay and lesbian constituents back home in Massachusetts," says Marty Rouse, the campaign director for MassEquality, a gay-rights group.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rouse" when you want to convey the idea of awakening or provoking someone or something into action or feeling. It often implies a forceful or intentional act of stimulation.

Common error

Avoid using "rouse" when you mean "rows". "Rouse" refers to awakening or stirring up, whereas "rows" refers to a linear arrangement or a dispute. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

Rouse primarily functions as a verb, indicating the act of awakening someone from sleep or inactivity, or stirring up emotions or actions. Ludwig provides examples of "rouse" being used to describe both literal awakenings and figurative stimulations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rouse" is a versatile verb with a rich history of usage in English. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and our analysis reveals its frequent appearance in news and media. It can mean to awaken, stir up, or provoke, making it a useful tool for writers aiming to convey a sense of initiation or stimulation. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, "rouse" is a term you can use with confidence in various contexts. Just ensure you are not misinterpreting it with homophones such as "rows".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stir up

This alternative emphasizes the act of provoking or agitating something that was previously calm or dormant.

awaken

This term focuses on the literal or figurative act of waking someone or something from sleep or inactivity.

provoke

This suggests intentionally causing a reaction, often a strong or negative one, in someone.

incite

This term implies urging or encouraging someone to act, often in a violent or rebellious way.

galvanize

This means to shock or excite someone into taking action, particularly in response to a pressing issue.

excite

Focuses on generating enthusiasm or eagerness.

stimulate

Highlights the act of encouraging development or increased activity.

motivate

Focuses on providing someone with a reason to act.

animate

Implies bringing life or energy to something.

invigorate

Suggests filling something with strength and energy.

FAQs

How can I use "rouse" in a sentence?

You can use "rouse" to describe awakening someone from sleep, like "The alarm clock roused him from his slumber". It can also mean to provoke or stir up a feeling, as in "The speaker's words roused the crowd to action".

What can I say instead of "rouse"?

You can use alternatives like "awaken", "stir up", or "provoke" depending on the context.

Is "rouse" a formal or informal word?

"Rouse" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in formal writing or speech. Its appropriateness depends on the specific situation and audience.

What's the difference between "rouse" and "arouse"?

Both "rouse" and "arouse" can mean to stir up or excite, but "arouse" often has a stronger connotation of sexual excitement or interest, while "rouse" is more general and can refer to awakening or provoking action.