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

Explanation

When you make something feel cleaner or newer, you freshen it. If your grandmother says she's going to freshen her makeup, she might apply some lipstick and powder her nose. There are many ways to freshen, depending on what needs to be made fresh. You can freshen the air in your house by opening all the windows, or freshen up your friend's drink by pouring more lemonade in her glass. A company may decide to freshen their brand's image after a scandal, and you might freshen your breath by swishing a little mouthwash. Back in the 1600s, this verb meant "make stronger."

Example Sentences

Only late in this somewhat suffocating book, when attention turns to Pista and Eva, does the air freshen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

When I’m ready to freshen up my fridge, I tend to work up a loose step ladder depending on my energy and the kind of week I’m having.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2026

After giving a number of key players some form of a rest in the 3-2 win against Qarabag on Tuesday, Howe made six changes to freshen up his side.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jan. 20, 2026

Nan said, “Why don’t you go freshen up? And then we’ll head out.”

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

Related Words

• cleanse
• enliven
• invigorate
• refresh
• sweeten