freshen

verb

fresh·​en ˈfre-shən 

freshened; freshening ˈfre-sh(ə-)niŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to grow or become fresh: such as

a

of wind : to increase in strength

b

: to become fresh in appearance or vitality

—usually used with up

freshen up with a shower

2

of a milk animal : to begin lactating

transitive verb

: to make fresh

also : refresh, revive

freshener

ˈfre-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

Synonyms

• recharge
• recreate
• refresh
• refreshen
• regenerate
• rejuvenate
• renew
• repair
• restore
• resuscitate
• revitalize
• revive
• revivify

Examples of freshen in a Sentence

a mint that freshens the breath

Can I freshen your drink?

Recent Examples on the Web

This unflavored formulation only contains four ingredients to freshen your breath without any sting: water, stabilized chlorine dioxide, trisodium phosphate, and citric acid. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 16 June 2024

Stripping your laundry Boyle says there are a lot of ways to deep clean your bedding and linens, but filling a bathtub and adding vinegar or products like Oxi Boosters can help freshen the bedding. —Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

The addition of red berries and pear not only freshens the composition but also adds a playful, youthful energy. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 14 June 2024

As a bonus, mint can freshen your breath after a nasty round of morning sickness. —Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1532, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing freshen

• freshen up

Kids Definition

freshen

verb

fresh·​en ˈfresh-ən 

freshened; freshening -(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to make or become fresh : refresh

freshen up with a shower

2

: to become brisk or strong

the wind freshened

3

: to brighten in appearance

freshen up a room with some color

freshener

-(ə-)nər 

noun

Medical Definition

freshen

transitive verb

fresh·​en ˈfresh-ən 

freshened; freshening ˈfresh-(ə-)niŋ 

of a milk animal

: to begin lactating