perk up

verb

1. to make or become more cheerful, hopeful, or lively

2. to rise or cause to rise briskly

   the dog's ears perked up

3. (tr) to make smarter in appearance

   she perked up her outfit with a bright scarf

4. slang,  (intr) to vomit

Word History and Origins

Origin of perk up¹

C14 perk, perhaps from Norman French perquer; see _perch ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Restore to good spirits, liveliness, or good appearance, as in You're exhausted, but a cup of tea will perk you up, or The flowers perked up the whole room. [Mid-1600s]

Related Words

• brighten 
• mend 
• take heart