roust

verb

ˈrau̇st How to pronounce roust (audio)
rousted; rousting; rousts
Synonyms of roustnext

transitive verb

: to drive (as from bed) roughly or unceremoniously

Examples of roust in a Sentence

The soldiers were rousted from their beds before sunrise.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the first time in 18 months, Pyle slept in a private room with a locked door and without fear that someone would roust him at night or steal his belongings. — Chris Serres, Star Tribune, 13 Mar. 2021 Their combination of sprightly cuteness, small size and determination — they were originally bred to roust badgers — endear them to many. — Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2024 At this point, many comedians would have given up, perhaps abandoning Jarle for better comedy, but Conan needles and cajoles him just enough to roust his spirits. — Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024 Paper was scarce during the war, so the boy would roust himself out of bed early and intercept the delivery of newspapers and magazines, going at their blank margins with his pencil, drawing figures, cartoons, landscapes, whatever struck his fancy. — Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for roust

Word History

Etymology

alteration of rouse entry 1

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of roust was in 1658

Rhymes for roust

See All Rhymes for roust

Browse Nearby Words

Roussin's salt
roust
roustabout
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roust. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on roust

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for roust

Nglish: Translation of roust for Spanish Speakers

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