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perk up

phrasal verb
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perked up; perking up; perks up

Definition of perk up

informal
1 : to become more lively or cheerful or to make (someone) more lively or cheerful We perked up when we heard the good news. The good news perked everyone up.
2 : to make (something) fresher or more appealing The new paint job really perked up the room.
3 chiefly US, of an animal's ears : to be lifted in a quick and alert way The dog's ears perked up. —often used figuratively of a person My ears perked up when I heard my name mentioned.

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Dictionary Entries Near perk up

Perkinsiella

perk up

perk (up) one's ears

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Cite this Entry

“Perk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perk%20up. Accessed 13 Aug. 2022.

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Nglish: Translation of perk up for Spanish Speakers

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