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

Chang’s, overhauled Red Lobster’s menu, introduced a happy hour and freshened up the marketing.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It's like a new team coming together. When you get new coaching staff and different ideas, it feels like everyone freshens up and starts from scratch," he said.

From BBC

As Abuela and I freshen up to go to dinner, I think of her words about the ghosts of her Sephardic ancestors.

From Literature

Other costs like hiring a painter to freshen up the kitchen or fixing the shower head would be under your purview.

From MarketWatch

After freshening up and taking a bite to eat, we were promptly whisked down the lane to Jenkintown.

From Literature

Related Words

• cleanse
• enliven
• invigorate
• refresh
• sweeten