freshen
UK: ˈfreʃn | US: ˈfreʃn
vt. to make something clean, cool, or more pleasant
vi. to become fresh or refreshed
vt. to revive or reinvigorate
The word "freshen" combines the adjective "fresh" (from Old English fersc, meaning "not salt, pure, new") with the verb-forming suffix "-en," which indicates causation (e.g., "to make fresh"). This suffix traces back to Old English -nian, used to create verbs from adjectives. The logic is straightforward: "freshen" means "to make fresh," whether physically (e.g., air, clothes) or metaphorically (e.g., energy, appearance).
She opened the window to freshen the room.
A light rain freshened the air after the heatwave.
He freshened up with a quick shower before the meeting.
The chef added herbs to freshen the dish’s flavor.
A brisk walk will freshen your mind.