erregen
Translation
to arouse, to excite, to cause, to provoke
Examples
Sein Verhalten erregte Verdacht.
His behaviour aroused suspicion.
Die Nachricht erregte großes Aufsehen.
The news caused a great sensation.
Laute Musik kann die Nachbarn erregen.
Loud music can excite the neighbours.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to arouse/cause sth. His speech erregte anger.
((sb.)) to excite/arouse sb. The loud noise erregte the dog.
Similar Words
hervorrufen (to cause), auslösen (to trigger), provozieren (to provoke)
Etymology
From the prefix 'er-' (bringing forth) and 'regen' (to stir, to move). It literally means 'to stir up' or 'to bring into motion', often used for emotions.
Memory Tips
Think of 'regen' like 'rain' or 'reign' - something that stirs things up. 'erregen' is the act of causing that stirring of emotions.