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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

perk up

The thud of a hammering Hulksmash rattles our seats; later, a cocked rifle is so crisp we perk up like a dog hearing the mailman.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026

Vance, who is heading up the talks, announces progress, news editors perk up.

From Slate ● Jun. 24, 2026

A splash of pickle brine can perk up a potato salad.

From Salon ● Jun. 9, 2026

A program offering subsidies to buy household appliances and electric vehicles helped perk up spending earlier last year, but retail-sales momentum has since waned.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 14, 2026

Fern seemed to perk up some after her bath and nourishment, but not Mattie.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

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Related Words

• brighten
• mend
• take heart

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