freshen

[ fresh-uh n ]
/ ˈfrɛʃ ən /

verb (used with object)

to make fresh; refresh, revive, or renew: We need a good rain to freshen the flowers.
to remove saltiness from.
Nautical. to preserve (a rope in use) from prolonged friction or concentrated stress on any one part.

verb (used without object)

to become or grow fresh.
(of a cow)
  1. to commence giving milk after calving.
  2. to give birth.

Verb Phrases

freshen up, to make oneself feel freshly clean or neat, as by washing, changing clothes, etc.: to freshen up after a long trip.

Origin of freshen

First recorded in 1690–1700; fresh + -en1

Example sentences from the Web for freshen

British Dictionary definitions for freshen

freshen
/ (ˈfrɛʃən) /

verb

to make or become fresh or fresher
(often foll by up) to refresh (oneself), esp by washing
(intr) (of the wind) to increase
to lose or cause to lose saltiness
(intr) mainly US
  1. (of farm animals) to give birth
  2. (of cows) to commence giving milk after calving

Derived forms of freshen

freshener, noun