'awaken' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'awæcnan,' where 'a-' meant 'on' and 'wæcnan' meant 'to arise.'

'awæcnan' transformed into the Middle English word 'awakenen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'awaken.'

Initially, it meant 'to arise or come into being,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to rouse from sleep or inactivity.'