smarten

[ smahr-tn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make more trim or spruce; improve in appearance (usually followed by up ):

   Try to smarten up your outfit.

2. to make brisker, as a pace.
3. to sharpen the judgment or broaden the experience of; educate (usually followed by up ):

   Someone has to smarten him up about dealing with people.

verb phrase

1. 1. to groom oneself:

      to smarten up before dinner.

   2. to become aware of one's mistakes, shortcomings, etc., and make efforts to correct them:

      If you don't smarten up, you're going to be out of a job.

smarten

/ ˈsmɑːtən /

verb

1. intr to make oneself neater
2. tr to make quicker or livelier

Word History and Origins

Origin of smarten¹

First recorded in 1805–15; smart + -en ¹

Example Sentences

These tiny devices offer a cheap, simple way to smarten up any gadget without connectivity.

From Popular-Science

This cheap, tiny plug is a simple way to smarten up an old gadget.

From Popular-Science

I always shave myself on rest days—it is pleasant to feel clean, even when there is no one to smarten oneself up for.

From Project Gutenberg

The next day we had to smarten up and get ready for the Brigadier-General, who was going to inspect us.

From Project Gutenberg

It tends to smarten a man, and officers are not slow to pick out the careful from the slovenly soldier.

From Project Gutenberg

An' I take it that the bar'l has an influence: some bar'ls kind of wilt cider and some smarten it up, and keep it hearty.

From Project Gutenberg

Tumble up at once, an' git a lively move on, or I'll be down an' smarten ye up!'

From Project Gutenberg