freshen
/ˈfrɛʃ(ə)n
/verb
1 [with object] Make (something) newer, cleaner, or more attractive: it didn’t take long to freshen her make-up...
- Throughout the day they constantly freshened their makeup and adjusted their hair ornaments, and a mirror was of course basic to these tasks.
- This freshens the verse and toughens the sentiment.
- Squeezing a lemon is just as effective at freshening the air.
Synonyms
refresh, revitalize, restore, revive, reinvigorate, reanimate, wake up, rouse, enliven, liven up, energize, stimulate, brace, fortify, invigorate
informal buck up, pep up, blow away the cobwebs
rare inspirit
2 [no object] (Of wind) become stronger and colder: the westerly wind freshened and howled dismally (as adjective freshening) the yachts picked up a freshening breeze...
- As the match began the blustery wind freshened and cooled with the huge Hawks flag fluttering above the old pavilion.
- On Friday, with the wind freshening I check that all is well with my new propagator and its precious cargo of germinating seeds - and yes, all is well.
- When at last the wind freshened and the sky cleared - with one barrel of water left on each ship - Columbus decided to sail west.
Synonyms
become stronger, strengthen;
become colder, become more bracing, cool, cool off
3chiefly North American Add more liquid to (a drink); top up: the waitress freshened their coffee...
- While Elaine was on the phone, Maria offered to freshen everyone's drink.
- This means the sangria can be made the night before and freshened with the soda water and more fruit when guests arrive.
Synonyms
refill, top up, fill up, replenish, recharge, reload, resupply;
Scottish plenish
4 [no object] North American (Of a cow) give birth and come into milk.Cows soon to freshen or with calves should have access to a magnesium-containing mineral supplement to help prevent grass tetany on pasture in the spring.
Phrasal verbs
freshen up