‘奋起’ is a compound verb meaning 'to rise up vigorously' or 'to rally with determination', often in response to adversity, injustice, or a call to action. The character 奋 (fèn) conveys energy, zeal, and vigorous effort—like flapping wings or straining forward—while 起 (qǐ) means 'to rise' or 'to begin'. Together, they emphasize an active, spirited, and collective upward movement—not just physical rising, but moral or emotional awakening and mobilization.

This word carries strong positive connotations of courage, resolve, and proactive response. It’s commonly used in formal or inspirational contexts: historical narratives, political speeches, news reports about social movements, or motivational writing. While it can describe individuals, it more frequently appears with plural subjects (e.g., the people, the nation, youth) and often pairs with nouns like 抗争 (resistance), 反击 (counterattack), or 振兴 (revitalization). It is not used for casual, everyday actions—never for things like ‘getting up from bed’ or ‘starting work’.