The word "rouse" is a verb that refers to arouse or awaken from apathy, slumber or depression. It is also used in reference to refer to excite as in excite to action or anger. In its noun form it refers to the instance or act of arousing. The word rouse is taken from the Middle English word "rousen" meaning to shake the feathers and was used in particularly in reference to a hawk. It was taken from the Old French word "reuser" meaning to push back or repel and was derived from the Latin word "recusare" meaning to refuse.