jollify

American  

[jol-uh-fahy] / ˈdʒɒl əˌfaɪ /

verb (used with or without object)

jollified, jollifying

1. to make or become jolly or merry.

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jollify British  

/ ˈdʒɒlɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to be or cause to be jolly

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Etymology

Origin of jollify

First recorded in 1815–25; jolly + -fy

Explanation

To jollify is to make merry or have a boisterous celebration. You might plan to jollify with your friends on Saturday night in honor of your upcoming birthday. When you have a lively party or a festive celebration of any kind, you jollify. Some people jollify just because it's the weekend, while for others it takes a special occasion to really let go and jollify. While the noun jollification is still occasionally used these days, it's rare to hear someone use the 1800's verb jollify. Both words stem from jolly, which has an Old French root, jolif, "festive, merry, or pretty."

Example Sentences

To-night you may jollify; but after that you are under strict discipline, for a month at least.

From Mary Anerley : a Yorkshire Tale by Blackmore, R. D. (Richard Doddridge)

Tain't natchul fer folks not to git together an' laugh an' be happy an' fergit dere quarrels an' dere troubles an' jollify deyselves.

From A Romance of Billy-Goat Hill by Rice, Alice Caldwell Hegan

It is hardly an occasion for jollification—" "Ah, Madame," cried Madame Rousseau, with sparkling eyes, "it is not for myself that I would jollify, but for the adored Napoleon.

From Mr. Bingle by McCutcheon, George Barr

We met at the Corners last nite to jollify over the brave acts uv our Memphis frends, and I wuz the speeker.

From "Swingin Round the Cirkle." His Ideas Of Men, Politics, And Things, As Set Forth In His Letters To The Public Press, During The Year 1866. by Nast, Thomas