1. to wake up or cause someone to wake up from sleep
2. to cause something to become active or to start developing
3. to make someone aware of something or cause them to realize something

Examples

• The loud noise awakened the baby from her nap.
• She awakened early to watch the sunrise.
• The documentary awakened his interest in environmental issues.
• The crisis awakened the government to the need for reform.
• Reading that book awakened her love of poetry.
• The smell of coffee awakened him from his deep sleep.
• The teacher’s words awakened a sense of responsibility in the students.