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

Eucalyptus will freshen the scent in the bathroom and also, relax the most congested individual. —Gabriele Regalbuto, Fox News, 4 Dec. 2024

Most gardeners welcome a gentle rain to nourish lawns and gardens, wash away unwanted pollen, and freshen the air. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2024

One of their bestsellers is the Sound Renewal, a nourishing serum of botanical extracts and antioxidants that freshen the skin. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

There are big new characters to freshen things up, from Derrick Henry leading the league in rushing for Baltimore to Russell Wilson adding a downfield passing element to Pittsburgh’s suddenly threatening offense. —Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 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