freshen

American  

[fresh-uhn] / ˈfrɛʃ ən /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• freshener noun

Etymology

Origin of freshen

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

Example Sentences

The bathrooms are decorated with faux marble, and the image of a black panther with a yellow eye fixed on customers as they freshen up.

From Barron's

The result is the cooling and freshening that researchers observe south of Greenland.

From Science Daily

These include freshening up your workout routine, trying a new fitness class, or taking part in a challenge for a short length of time - like cycling a certain number of miles in a month.

From BBC

But Mr. Sullivan freshens the familiar with shrewd diversions and, above all, the phenomenon of a relentlessly logical investigator confronting a mystery rooted in love and loyalty.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cleanse
• enliven
• invigorate
• refresh
• sweeten