lighten

²lighten

verb

light·enedlight·en·ing\ˈlīt-niŋ, ˈlī-t^ən-iŋ\

Definition of LIGHTEN

transitive verb

1

a : to relieve of a burden in whole or in part <the news lightened his mind> b : to reduce in weight or quantity : lessen c : to make less wearisome : alleviate <lighten our sorrow>

2

: cheer, gladden

intransitive verb

1

: to become lighter or less burdensome

2

: to become more cheerful

— light·en·er \ˈlīt-nər, ˈlī-t^ən-ər\ noun

First Known Use of LIGHTEN

14th century