Waken/ˈweɪkən/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Physical Awakening 'Waken' often refers to the transition from sleep to being alert. I wakened to the smell of coffee. Pro Tip 2/3External Cause Use 'waken' when something outside prompts you to awake, like noise. She was wakened by the sunrise. Pro Tip 3/3Unexpectedness 'Waken' can imply awakening unexpectedly or abruptly. A sudden thunderclap wakened him from his nap.