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Synonyms

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

"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
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]

Etymology

Origin of perk up

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Perk up at Kaffeewagen, a 1969 Volkswagen bus serving espresso drinks with Port Renfrew-roasted Beach Camp Coffee Co.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 24, 2022

Perk up a classic Arnold Palmer with a power-packed blend of fresh lemon balm, lemongrass, lemon verbena leaves, and lemon zest.

From Salon • May 3, 2022

Perk up a dreary afternoon with Seattle Art Museum’s exhibit “Brighter Days,” showcasing intense scenes around Seattle.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 8, 2021

Motsi Cold Brew Beard Oil: Perk up his beard with Arabian coffee-infused beard oil from the Seattle-based skin-care brand.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 13, 2021

So say, Cap'n Noah, better laugh 'n grin; Perk up yo' speerits 'n do de bes' yo kin.

From The House of the Misty Star A Romance of Youth and Hope and Love in Old Japan by Little, Frances, [pseud.]

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.