refresh

[ ri-fresh ]
See synonyms for: refreshrefreshedrefreshing on Thesaurus.com

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

  2. to stimulate (the memory).

  1. to make fresh again; reinvigorate or cheer (a person, the mind, spirits, etc.).

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

  3. Computers.

    • 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.

    • to display (an image) repeatedly, as on a CRT, in order to prevent fading.

    • 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.

Origin of refresh

1
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English refreschen, from Middle French refreschir, Old French. See re-, fresh

Other words for refresh

Opposites for refresh

Other words from refresh

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

Words Nearby refresh

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use refresh in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for refresh

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

  1. (tr) to stimulate (the memory)

  2. (tr) to replenish, as with new equipment or stores

  3. computing to display the latest updated version (of a web page or document); reload

Origin of refresh

1
C14: from Old French refreschir; see re-, fresh

Derived forms of refresh

  • refreshful, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012