Crossword Dictionary
awakening
noun
A revival of interest or attention.
SYNONYMS
activating, animating, arousing, enlivening, renewing, reviving, rousing, stimulating
EXAMPLES:
‘Though more of a comedy than a romance, this tender portrait of a teenager’s sexual awakening is equal parts sensitive, funny and sweet.’
‘It was like a culinary awakening for me, all the fresh markets and the importance of ingredients.’
‘I don't doubt you will find more than one affinity if you are awakening; that is merely the mating instinct.’
‘Sentiments will run deep awakening dormant feelings that were thought to be successfully repressed.’
‘I noted how a number of these patients experienced a personal transformation or an awakening following their consultation.’
activate
activate, activize, activated, activates, activating, reactivate - v
to set in motion
To activate something is to start it off, trigger it, or set it in motion. A villain in a late-night movie might say, “Activate the robot chickens!†And then you’re free to activate your remote and change the channel.
To activate something is to make it active. It’s not just for bad guys — when you activate a credit or library card, you can start using it. When a coach activates a player on a sports team, the player enters the game. If someone activates a bomb, you should run. If the pancakes you’re cooking burst into flames, you’ll probably activate the smoke alarm. And you should run.