liven

[ lahy-vuhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put life into; rouse; enliven; cheer (often followed by up ):

   What can we do to liven up the party?

verb (used without object)

1. to become more lively; brighten (usually followed by up ):

   If this party doesn't liven up soon, let's leave.

liven

/ ˈlaɪvən /

verb

1. usually foll by up to make or become lively; enliven

Derived Forms

• ˈlivener, noun

Other Words From

• liven·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of liven¹

First recorded in 1880–85; aphetic variant of enliven

Example Sentences

Some people even threw in extra theatrics and party favors to liven up their pitch.

From Los Angeles Times

Harris is a competent politician and knows how to work in personal details and feelings-talk to liven things up, but ultimately, there's a reason so much of the news industry is geared away from issues coverage and towards the horse race.

From Salon

Instead, it aims to liven up the Universal Monsters narratives by highlighting villains and heroines such as Saskia Van Helsing, daughter of Dracula hunter Abraham Van Helsing; the Bride of Frankenstein; and Dracula’s own vampire daughter, Countess Marya Zaleska.

From Los Angeles Times

“Just so he doesn’t liven things up too much,” she added.

From Literature

The food was “inedible”; the harassing guards viewed her as “a freak show to liven their shift.”

From Slate

Related Words

• accelerate
• expedite
• hasten
• promote
• revitalize
• revive
• spur
• step up
• stimulate
• strengthen