awaken
UK: əˈweɪkən | US: əˈweɪkən
vt. to cause someone to stop sleeping; to rouse from sleep
vi. to stop sleeping; to become conscious or aware
fig. to become alert or active (e.g., "awaken to a new idea")
The word "awaken" originates from Old English āwæcnan, combining the intensive prefix ā- (akin to "up" or "out") with wæcnan ("to wake"). The root wake traces back to Proto-Germanic wakaną, meaning "to cease sleeping." The suffix -en was added to form a verb, reinforcing the action of rousing. Over time, "awaken" evolved to encompass both literal and metaphorical senses of becoming conscious or alert.
The loud noise awakened the entire neighborhood.
She awakened at dawn to the sound of birds singing.
Traveling abroad awakened his interest in different cultures.
The documentary aims to awaken people to environmental issues.
He slowly awakened from his deep meditation.