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Synonyms

invigorate

American  
[in-vig-uh-reyt] / ɪnˈvɪg əˌreɪt /

verb (used with object)

invigorated, invigorating
  1. to give vigor to; fill with life and energy; energize.

    Synonyms:
    vitalize, strengthen

invigorate British  
/ ɪnˈvɪɡəˌreɪt /

verb

  1. (tr) to give vitality and vigour to; animate; brace; refresh

    to be invigorated by fresh air

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does invigorate mean? To invigorate is to fill with energy or a feeling of vitality, renewal, or refreshment.Invigorate is especially used in the context of things that make people feel “alive” or renewed or refreshed physically, mentally, and emotionally. Such a state or feeling can be called vigor, which is at the root of invigorate. A close synonym is vitality. In other words, to invigorate is to fill with vigor.Someone who feels this way can be described with the adjective invigorated, as in I feel really invigorated after that long, restful weekend. Something that invigorates can be described with the adjective invigorating, as in I love an invigorating swim in the ocean. Sometimes, invigorate is applied to things other than people to mean something like stimulate or boost, as in These measures are meant to invigorate the economy. Example: Being out in the sunshine invigorates me and makes me feel alive.

Related Words

See animate.

Other Word Forms

  • invigorating adjective
  • invigoratingly adverb
  • invigoration noun
  • invigorative adjective
  • invigoratively adverb
  • invigorator noun
  • reinvigorate verb (used with object)
  • reinvigoration noun
  • uninvigorated adjective
  • uninvigorative adjective
  • uninvigoratively adverb

Etymology

Origin of invigorate

First recorded in 1640–50; in- 2 + obsolete vigorate “invigorated”; vigor, -ate 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So how, he asked, can that be done, “in a way that feels invigorating and hopeful?”

From Los Angeles Times

The Chanel dinner brings fashion, film and art together in an invigorating way.

From Los Angeles Times

The 23rd edition of the Missouri festival proved an invigorating celebration of the art of nonfiction filmmaking.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before long, Frank and the Bride are on the road and on the lam, invigorating the nation in their path.

From Salon

The treatment takes place on a heated marble table inside the hammam and begins with a thorough cleansing before moving into an invigorating exfoliating scrub.

From Salon