smarten

American  

[smahr-tn] / ˈsmɑr tn /

verb (used with object)

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

   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 byup ).

   Someone has to smarten him up about dealing with people.

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verb phrase

1. smarten up

   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 British  

/ ˈsmɑːtən /

verb

1. (intr) to make oneself neater

2. (tr) to make quicker or livelier

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Etymology

Origin of smarten

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

Example Sentences

Could have the game for Australia, but needs to smarten up.

From BBC

This will not only smarten up the tree but, more importantly, also leave a small, clean wound that will heal more quickly.

From Washington Post

Amazon Prime Day is always a good opportunity to smarten up your abode, whether it’s an apartment or a multi-room, multi-level house.

From The Verge

Ron DeSantis' stock soars as Florida governor turns tables on '60 Minutes' Low-watt Joe Biden tries to 'smarten up' Juan Williams: White PBS host took me off racism panel after learning I'm '100% Panamanian'

From Washington Times

President Biden said the best way for Georgia and other states to stay in the good graces of corporations and businesses is to stop adopting “new Jim Crow laws” and “smarten up.”

From Washington Times