perk up
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verb (adverb)
to make or become more cheerful, hopeful, or lively
to rise or cause to rise brisklythe dog's ears perked up
(tr) to make smarter in appearanceshe perked up her outfit with a bright scarf
(intr) Australian slang to vomit
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Word Origin for perk up
C14 perk, perhaps from Norman French perquer; see perch 1
Words nearby perk up
perk, Perkin, Perkins, Perkins, Frances, Perkin's mauve, perk up, perky, Perl, perle, Perlea, perlemoen
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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How to use perk up in a sentence
Other Idioms and Phrases with perk up
perk up
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]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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