refresh

American  

[ri-fresh] / rɪˈfrɛʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to provide new vigor and energy by rest, food, etc. (often used reflexively).

   Synonyms:

   revive

2. to stimulate (the memory).

3. to make fresh again; reinvigorate or cheer (a person, the mind, spirits, etc.).

   Synonyms:

   reanimate, enliven, freshen

   Antonyms:

   discourage, dispirit

4. to freshen in appearance, color, etc., as by a restorative.

   Synonyms:

   retouch, renew, renovate, repair, restore

5. Computers.

   1. to access (the most recent version of a web page) from the internet instead of from the cache.

      I refreshed the page to see the current stock price before executing my online trade.

   2. to display (an image) repeatedly, as on a CRT, in order to prevent fading.

   3. to read and write (the contents of dynamic storage) at intervals in order to avoid loss of data.

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verb (used without object)

1. to take refreshment, especially food or drink.

2. to become fresh or vigorous again; revive.

refresh British  

/ rɪˈfrɛʃ /

verb

1. (usually tr or reflexive) to make or become fresh or vigorous, as through rest, drink, or food; revive or reinvigorate

2. (tr) to enliven (something worn or faded), as by adding new decorations

3. (tr) to stimulate (the memory)

4. (tr) to replenish, as with new equipment or stores

5. computing to display the latest updated version (of a web page or document); reload

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Usage

What does refresh mean? To refresh is to reinvigorate, renew, or restore something to its original condition or a better state. In the context of technology, refresh most commonly means to reload a web page or app in order to access the most recent or updated version of a display or feed. Example: It’s amazing how much a hot shower can really refresh your spirit.

Other Word Forms

• refreshful adjective
• refreshfully adverb
• unrefreshed adjective
• well-refreshed adjective

Etymology

Origin of refresh

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English refreschen, from Middle French refreschir, Old French. See re-, fresh

Explanation

To refresh is to renew or revive — to make someone feel newly clean or invigorated. After a long, hot run, a glass of lemonade might refresh you. You might refresh yourself by taking a shower or a nap, and you can easily refresh your breath by brushing your teeth. When you refresh your memory, you stimulate it, or get it going: "I looked over my notes to refresh my memory before the quiz." On a computer, you can refresh a page by updating it. Refresh comes from the Old French refreschier, "refresh or renew."

Example Sentences

Richter, 94, is known for experimenting with ways to refresh traditional painting categories, including portraits, still lifes and abstracts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

But cooking without dairy taught me that you can shift a dish the same way you’d refresh a room: not by tearing everything out, but by changing the color on the walls.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

Blues boss Liam Rosenior sees this international break as an opportunity to refresh and reset.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Now they are expected to change the way people dress as they lose weight, with GLP-1 users potentially spending billions more each year to refresh their wardrobes, Bernstein analysts said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

I refresh a few times and then check my sent folder to make sure the email went through.

From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya

Related Words

• cool
• exhilarate
• reinvigorate
• rejuvenate
• replenish
• revive
• stimulate