enliven

[en-lahy-vuh n] /ɛnˈlaɪ vən/
verb (used with object)
1.
to make vigorous or active; invigorate:
The wit of Mencken enlivened his age.
2.
to make sprightly or cheerful; brighten:
Flowers enliven any room.
Origin
1625-35; obsolete enlive to give life to (en-1 + life) + -en1
Related forms
enlivener, noun
enliveningly, adverb
enlivenment, noun
unenlivened, adjective
unenlivening, adjective
Synonyms
1. animate, inspirit, vivify, stimulate, quicken. 2. gladden. See cheer.
Antonyms
2. depress.
Examples from the web for enliven
  • Evocative pictures and words to enliven an ordinary day.
  • Open-flame braziers enliven pool courtyard and alfresco restaurant.
  • The city's murals can enliven an otherwise drab location.
  • Archival photos and personal accounts by disc jockeys who worked at the station enliven the story.
  • The pretense lacks standing even among pretenses, and a faith must be induced before its removal can enliven us.
  • The caricature is unfair, but it could enliven what has been a largely issueless election.
  • Dozens of colorful and distinctive galleries enliven the downtown area.
  • Presidential candidates and protesters will enliven conference.
  • In the process, the two enliven the drab existence of the other incapacitated residents.
  • The beans managed to be soft without getting all mushy, and they were seasoned enough to enliven the bland tortillas.
British Dictionary definitions for enliven

enliven

/ɪnˈlaɪvən/
verb (transitive)
1.
to make active, vivacious, or spirited; invigorate
2.
to make cheerful or bright; gladden or brighten
Derived Forms
enlivener, noun
enlivening, adjective
enlivenment, noun
Word Origin and History for enliven
v.

1630s, "give life to" (enlive in same sense is from 1590s); see en- (1) "make, put in" + life + -en (1). Meaning "make lively or cheerful" is from 1690s. Related: Enlivened; enlivening.