I. noun
( -s )
1. : a rousing from sleep
2.
a. : a rousing from inactivity, sloth, or indifference
ancient and somnolent institutions were once again spared an awakening — E.B.George
the most significant fact in the world today is the awakening that is going on in the East — Wendell Willkie
b. : a revival of interest in religion
the later awakenings in Protestantism gave rise to novel movements in education and thought — K.S.Latourette
3. : a coming into consciousness or awareness : realization , recognition — usually used with following to
a gradual awakening to the facts of the country's military position
II. adjective
: awaking
• awak·en·ing·ly adverb