perk up

British  

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

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perk up Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of perk up

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

Example Sentences

Will they perk up for the holiday shopping season?

From MarketWatch

Big picture: The economy might perk up in 2026 as trade wars fade and new tax breaks kick in, but the U.S. is likely to muddle through to the new year.

From MarketWatch

Bourassa believes interest rates will go down once inflation is tamed, which will perk up the housing market.

From Seattle Times

But he perked up as his father, whom he only recently saw for the first time in 13 years, took the stand to decry the terror attack, saying it has left the family ashamed.

From Seattle Times

“He’s one of those guys. Every time in practice or games when he’s in there, guys perk up and want to see what he can do.”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• brighten
• mend
• take heart