refresh

[ ri-fresh ]

verb (used with object)

1. to provide new vigor and energy by rest, food, etc. (often used reflexively).

   Synonyms: revive

2. to stimulate (the memory).
3. to make fresh again; reinvigorate or cheer (a person, the mind, spirits, etc.).

   Synonyms: reanimate, enliven, freshen

   Antonyms: discourage, dispirit

4. to freshen in appearance, color, etc., as by a restorative.

   Synonyms: retouch, renew, renovate, repair, restore

5. Computers.
   1. to access (the most recent version of a web page) from the internet instead of from the cache:

      I refreshed the page to see the current stock price before executing my online trade.

   2. to display (an image) repeatedly, as on a CRT, in order to prevent fading.
   3. to read and write (the contents of dynamic storage) at intervals in order to avoid loss of data.

verb (used without object)

1. to take refreshment, especially food or drink.
2. to become fresh or vigorous again; revive.

refresh

/ rɪˈfrɛʃ /

verb

1. usually tr or reflexive to make or become fresh or vigorous, as through rest, drink, or food; revive or reinvigorate
2. tr to enliven (something worn or faded), as by adding new decorations
3. tr to stimulate (the memory)
4. tr to replenish, as with new equipment or stores
5. computing to display the latest updated version (of a web page or document); reload

Derived Forms

• reˈfreshful, adjective

Other Words From

• re·freshful adjective
• re·freshful·ly adverb
• unre·freshed adjective
• well-re·freshed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refresh¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English refreschen, from Middle French refreschir, Old French. See re-, fresh

Word History and Origins

Origin of refresh¹

C14: from Old French refreschir ; see re- , fresh

Example Sentences

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

From BBC

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

From BBC

Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn got the ball rolling on Measure G this spring, arguing that the county’s outdated government structure was long overdue for a refresh.

From Los Angeles Times

Wade Sumner, 25, continued to refresh his phone.

From BBC

Please refresh the page or enable Javascript to see live updates.

From Slate

Related Words

• cool
• exhilarate
• reinvigorate
• rejuvenate
• replenish
• revive
• stimulate