freshen

/ˈfrɛʃən/

Other forms: freshened; freshening; freshens

When you make something feel cleaner or newer, you freshen it. If your grandmother says she's going to freshen her makeup, she might apply some lipstick and powder her nose.

There are many ways to freshen, depending on what needs to be made fresh. You can freshen the air in your house by opening all the windows, or freshen up your friend's drink by pouring more lemonade in her glass. A company may decide to freshen their brand's image after a scandal, and you might freshen your breath by swishing a little mouthwash. Back in the 1600s, this verb meant "make stronger."

Definitions of freshen

1. verb

   make (to feel) fresh
   synonyms: refresh

   types:

   air, air out, vent, ventilate

   expose to cool or cold air so as to cool or freshen

   type of:

   regenerate, renew

   reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new
2. verb

   make fresh again
   synonyms: refresh, refreshen

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
3. verb

   become or make oneself fresh again
   “She freshened up after the tennis game”

   synonyms: freshen up, refresh, refreshen

   types:

   lave, wash up

   wash one's face and hands

   type of:

   change

   undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature