English · Daily Life
wake up
/weɪk ʌp/
[/weɪk ʌp/]
stop sleeping
Intermediateverb
Definition
To stop sleeping and become conscious; to make someone do so.
Example
I woke up in the middle of the night because a dog was barking loudly outside.
I woke up in the middle of the night because a dog was barking loudly outside.
Etymology
From 'wake' (Old English wacian) plus 'up', the intensifier emphasising full alertness.
How & Where It’s Used
Everyday; 'wake-up call' is an idiom for a sudden realisation prompting change.