definitions

enliven

[ en-lahy-vuhn ]
/ ɛnˈlaɪ vən /
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verb (used with object)

to make vigorous or active; invigorate: The wit of Mencken enlivened his age.
to make sprightly or cheerful; brighten: Flowers enliven any room.

RELATED WORDS

recreate, rejuvenate, invigorate, buoy, brighten, entertain, galvanize, animate, stimulate, spice, restore, renew, fire, excite, hearten, refresh, cheer, exhilarate, inspirit, gladden

Nearby words

enlisted, enlisted man, enlisted woman, enlistee, enlistment, enliven, enmarble, enmesh, enmeshed, enmity, enna

Origin of enliven

1625–35; obsolete enlive to give life to (en-1 + life) + -en1

Related forms

Synonym study

2. See cheer.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for enliven

British Dictionary definitions for enliven

enliven

/ (ɪnˈlaɪvən) /

verb (tr)

to make active, vivacious, or spirited; invigorate
to make cheerful or bright; gladden or brighten

Derived Forms

enlivener, nounenlivening, adjectiveenlivenment, noun
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