perk 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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Word by Word Definitions
: to thrust up the head, stretch out the neck, or carry the body in a bold or insolent manner
: to stick up or out jauntily
: to make smart or spruce in appearance : freshen, improve
: percolate
: perquisite
: in or into a higher position or level
: away from the center of the earth
: from beneath the ground or water to the surface
: risen above the horizon
: standing
: being out of bed
: used as a function word to indicate motion to or toward or situation at a higher point of
: up into or in the
: in a direction regarded as being toward or near the upper end or part of
: one in a high or advantageous position
: an upward slope
: a period or state of prosperity or success
: to rise from a lying or sitting position
: to move upward : ascend
: used with and and another verb to indicate that the action of the following verb was either surprisingly or abruptly initiated
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