liven

[lahy-vuh n]

See more synonyms for liven on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to put life into; rouse; enliven; cheer (often followed by up): What can we do to liven up the party?

verb (used without object)

to become more lively; brighten (usually followed by up): If this party doesn't liven up soon, let's leave.

Origin of liven

First recorded in 1880–85; aphetic variant of enliven

Related formsliv·en·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for liven

promote, strengthen, revive, accelerate, hasten, spur, stimulate, expedite, revitalize, inspire, energize, enliven, excite, exalt, hearten, activate, spring, move, actuate, dispatch

Examples from the Web for liven

Contemporary Examples of liven

Sachin Tendulkar may be one of the most brilliant players in the sport, but he struggles to liven up his memoirs.
The Story of the World’s Greatest Cricket Player
William O’Connor
December 24, 2014
I suppose you can if you were dumb and delusional enough to think that the Emmy voters might liven things up a little bit.
The Biggest Emmys Snubs and Surprises: 'Modern Family,' McConaughey, and More
Kevin Fallon
August 26, 2014
The newly appointed CNN boss says the network must liven up its daily fare.
CNN Needs ‘More Passion,’ Says New Boss Jeff Zucker
Howard Kurtz
November 30, 2012
He also used his acting and directorial skills to liven up dreary hearings.
Today's King's Speech Guru
Sandra McElwaine
February 26, 2011
Will Oprah liven up C-SPAN's usually drab red-carpet pre-show?
Five Ways Obama Has Already Changed Washington
Ana Marie Cox
November 26, 2008

Historical Examples of liven

Especially when our country neighbors come in to ''liven us up.'
Questionable Shapes
William Dean Howells
If she doesn't we must give her a solid shot or two to liven her up—eh, Mr. Carter?
The Rescue
Joseph Conrad
Casual anecdotes were sprinkled through his explanations to liven them.
The Highgrader
William MacLeod Raine
But what are you stopping the air for when it's rushing in to liven us up?
Blow The Man Down
Holman Day
"Say when you want me to liven 'em up, Gertie," remarked Bulpert.
Love at Paddington
W. Pett Ridge

British Dictionary definitions for liven

liven

verb

(usually foll by up) to make or become lively; enliven

Derived Formslivener, noun

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

Word Origin and History for liven

1884, colloquial shortening of 17c. enliven, usually with up. Related: Livened; livening.