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

Other Word Forms

• refreshful adjective
• refreshfully adverb
• unrefreshed adjective
• well-refreshed 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

The New York Times’ crossword is synonymous with its current editor, Will Shortz, who gave the puzzle a refresh in the 1990s, jettisoning academic jargon and obscurities in favor of layered puns and pop-culture references.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He scanned the street for law enforcement vehicles and hit refresh on a crowdsourced map that showed recent immigration sweeps.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"I think we found out as everybody else did, just on their socials, which I'm constantly refreshing anyway, as I'm a big fan," said Clarke, a YouTuber and podcaster.

Read more on BBC

"But I got over my fear, and honestly it's refreshing."

Read more on Barron's

The air above me kisses my cheeks with a refreshing breeze—the kind of weather that turns on the part of your brain that screams, Let’s have fun!

Read more on Literature

Related Words

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

When To Use

What does refresh mean?

To refresh is to reinvigorate, renew, or restore something to its original condition or a better state.In the context of technology, refresh most commonly means to reload a web page or app in order to access the most recent or updated version of a display or feed.Example: It’s amazing how much a hot shower can really refresh your spirit.