perk
1
[ purk ]
/ pɜrk /
verb (used without object)
to become lively, cheerful, or vigorous, as after depression or sickness (usually followed by up): The patients all perked up when we played the piano for them.
to act, or carry oneself, in a jaunty manner.
to put oneself forward briskly or presumptuously.
verb (used with object)
to make smart, trim, or jaunty (sometimes followed by up or out): to perk up a suit with a new white blouse.
to raise smartly or briskly (often followed by up or out): to perk one's head up.
adjective
perky; jaunty: a perk manner.
Origin of perk
1
1350–1400; Middle English
perken; perhaps akin to
peer2
OTHER WORDS FROM perk
perk·ing·ly, adverb perk·ish, adjectiveWords nearby perk
periwinkle,
perjink,
perjure,
perjured,
perjury,
perk,
perk up,
perkin,
perkin's mauve,
perkins,
perkins, frances
British Dictionary definitions for perk up (1 of 4)
perk up
verb (adverb)
to make or become more cheerful, hopeful, or lively
to rise or cause to rise briskly
the dog's ears perked up
(tr)
to make smarter in appearance
she perked up her outfit with a bright scarf
(intr) Australian slang
to vomit
Word Origin for perk up
C14
perk, perhaps from Norman French
perquer; see
perch
1
British Dictionary definitions for perk up (2 of 4)
Word Origin for perk
C16: see
perk up
British Dictionary definitions for perk up (3 of 4)
perk
2
/ (pɜːk) /
verb informal
(intr)
(of coffee) to percolate
(tr)
to percolate (coffee)
British Dictionary definitions for perk up (4 of 4)
Idioms and Phrases with perk up
perk up
Restore to good spirits, liveliness, or good appearance, as in You're exhausted, but a cup of tea will perk you up, or The flowers perked up the whole room. [Mid-1600s]