freshen

American  

[fresh-uhn] / ˈfrɛʃ ən /

verb (used with object)

1. to make fresh; refresh, revive, or renew.

   We need a good rain to freshen the flowers.

2. to remove saltiness from.

3. Nautical. to preserve (a rope in use) from prolonged friction or concentrated stress on any one part.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become or grow fresh.

2. (of a cow)

   1. to commence giving milk after calving.

   2. to give birth.

verb phrase

1. freshen up to make oneself feel freshly clean or neat, as by washing, changing clothes, etc..

   to freshen up after a long trip.

freshen British  

/ ˈfrɛʃən /

verb

1. to make or become fresh or fresher

2. (often foll by up) to refresh (oneself), esp by washing

3. (intr) (of the wind) to increase

4. to lose or cause to lose saltiness

5. (intr)

   1. (of farm animals) to give birth

   2. (of cows) to commence giving milk after calving

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Other Word Forms

• freshener noun

Etymology

Origin of freshen

First recorded in 1690–1700; fresh + -en ¹

Example Sentences

“Willa—she’s one of the legendary grandparents—invited me to freshen up the mural this summer. I wanted to do a small-scale one first.”

From Literature

“Seems like a good idea to freshen things up. Everything around this town is growing and spreading, especially with all the moving-picture business.”

From Literature

When I’m ready to freshen up my fridge, I tend to work up a loose step ladder depending on my energy and the kind of week I’m having.

From Salon

After giving a number of key players some form of a rest in the 3-2 win against Qarabag on Tuesday, Howe made six changes to freshen up his side.

From BBC

Chang’s, overhauled Red Lobster’s menu, introduced a happy hour and freshened up the marketing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cleanse
• enliven
• invigorate
• refresh
• sweeten