Definitions for the word "lighten" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. i.
To descend; to light.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. i.
To burst forth or dart, as lightning; to shine with, or like, lightning; to display a flash or flashes of lightning; to flash.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. i.
To grow lighter; to become less dark or lowering; to brighten; to clear, as the sky.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. t.
To make light or clear; to light; to illuminate; as, to lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the streets.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To illuminate with knowledge; to enlighten.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To emit or disclose in, or as in, lightning; to flash out, like lightning.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
To free from trouble and fill with joy.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To make lighter, or less heavy; to reduce in weight; to relieve of part of a load or burden; as, to lighten a ship by unloading; to lighten a load or burden.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. t.
To make less burdensome or afflictive; to alleviate; as, to lighten the cares of life or the burden of grief.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
To cheer; to exhilarate.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v.
1 a make or become lighter in weight. B reduce the weight or load of. 2 bring relief to (the mind etc.). 3 mitigate (a penalty).
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
12. v.
1 shed light on. 2 make or grow bright.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "lighten" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
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