smarten

American  

[smahr-tn] / ˈsmɑr tn /

verb (used with object)

1. to make more trim or spruce; improve in appearance (usually followed byup ).

   Try to smarten up your outfit.

2. to make brisker, as a pace.

3. to sharpen the judgment or broaden the experience of; educate (usually followed byup ).

   Someone has to smarten him up about dealing with people.

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verb phrase

1. smarten up

   1. to groom oneself.

      to smarten up before dinner.

   2. to become aware of one's mistakes, shortcomings, etc., and make efforts to correct them.

      If you don't smarten up, you're going to be out of a job.

smarten British  

/ ˈsmɑːtən /

verb

1. (intr) to make oneself neater

2. (tr) to make quicker or livelier

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Etymology

Origin of smarten

First recorded in 1805–15; smart + -en ¹