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

The third channel promises to be a mixed bag of the freshened and familiar, today’s icons and tomorrow’s sentimental favorites, with the mix heavily tilted toward combustion.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For Abby, the aim is to freshen her skin, keep it healthy, and hopefully, treat the acne she's lived with for many years by reducing scarring and redness.

Read more on BBC

She was given a mandate to freshen up the chain, revive sales and recruit younger guests.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

All are presented in a way that freshens even what you know, or think you do.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The party, after all, has a yawning generation gap that has stymied younger politicians from attaining power, ascending to leadership and freshening Democrats’ image and agenda.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• cleanse 
• enliven 
• invigorate 
• refresh 
• sweeten