Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ʊst] (IPA) 
The word "roust" is spelled with five letters and is pronounced as [raʊst]. The IPA phonetic transcription highlights that the first sound in the word is the vowel sound "ow" ([aʊ]). This is followed by the consonant sound "r" ([r]), which is then followed by the vowel sound "u" ([ʌ]). Finally, the word ends with the consonant sound "st" ([st]). "Roust" is a verb that means to wake up or arouse someone from sleep or inactivity.
Roust is a verb that can be used both transitively and intransitively. In its transitive form, it means to forcibly or vigorously wake up or eject someone from a place or a state of rest, usually by making noise, shouting, or physical actions. This action is often undertaken with the intention of prompting or urging the involved individual to take immediate action or depart the premises. For example, a parent might roust their child from bed in the morning to get ready for school or an innkeeper may roust a late-paying guest from their room.
In its intransitive form, roust refers to the act of being forcefully awakened, disturbed, or expelled from a state of rest or inactivity. This usage often involves an abrupt interruption, usually with the purpose of arousing or mobilizing the individual into action. For instance, one might say they were roused from sleep by a loud noise or that a group of protesters were roused from their peaceful demonstration by the arrival of law enforcement.
Overall, whether employed as a transitive or intransitive verb, roust conveys the concept of arousing or forcibly stirring someone from a state of rest or inaction, often through disruptive means, to prompt them into immediate action or to leave a particular place.
The word "roust" has an interesting etymology. It traces its origins back to the Old Norse word "raust", which meant "noise" or "boisterous activity". Old Norse was spoken by the Vikings and was prevalent in various Scandinavian countries. Over time, this word evolved into "rouste" in Middle English, which meant "to make a rattle" or "disturb". Eventually, it transformed into "roust" in Modern English, retaining its sense of making noise or disturbance.
