freshen

[fresh-uhn]

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.

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• freshener noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of freshen¹

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

Example Sentences

"I spoke to him and said 'I think you need to freshen up'," McCullum said.

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Picking a completely different side won't work, but some of the bench players could start to freshen it up.

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The pace bowler, 30, has not played Test cricket in four years after a string of injuries, but seems likely to return as the home side freshen up their attack.

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As part of the clubhouse renovations last winter, Smith and her team imagined how to freshen up that walkway.

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Now though, on the back of a defeat, Farrell has ample opportunity to freshen things up against Western Force with a host of players ready to see their first action of the trip.

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Related Words

• cleanse 
• enliven 
• invigorate 
• refresh 
• sweeten