wake-up

UK: ˈweɪkʌp | US: ˈweɪkˌʌp

Definition

  1. n. an instance of waking up or being awakened

  2. n. (figurative) a sudden realization or awareness

  3. vt. to rouse from sleep or inactivity

  4. adj. serving to wake or alert someone (e.g., wake-up call)

Structure
wake <to become awake>up <upward direction/completion>
Etymology

The word combines "wake" (Old English wacan, meaning "to arise from sleep") and "up" (Old English ūp, denoting completion or direction). Originally literal, it evolved to metaphorical uses (e.g., "wake-up call") in the 19th century, emphasizing abrupt awareness or action. The hyphenated form preserves the phrasal verb structure.

Examples

  1. She set an alarm for an early wake-up.

  2. The crisis served as a wake-up to improve safety measures.

  3. He woke up suddenly at 3 AM.

  4. The loud noise woke the entire neighborhood up.

  5. A strong coffee is her daily wake-up ritual.