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

Two shower suites are also available to freshen before or between flights. —Chris Dong, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

Platinum Mouth Rinse $20 $15 AMAZON From dental brand Moon, this alcohol-free mouth rinse not only freshens your breath but also offers teeth whitening benefits thanks to a gentle blend of antioxidants and hydrogen peroxide. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2024

The foaming tablets penetrate residue and grime build-up and freshen your disposal with a clean citrus scent. —Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024

Alternatively, try a trendy mouthwash from Moon that freshens and whitens at the same time, without the use of fluoride or alcohol. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Oct. 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