enliven

Definition

To give life or spirit to; to revive or animate.

Etymology

From life + en- -en (intensifying verbal circumfix). See liven.

Example Sentences

• "The game was much enlivened when both teams scored within five minutes of each other."
• "Travel is enlivened not only by the mixed company of French, Berbers, Arabs, and descendants of the Mediterranean-Corsairs who sit together indiscriminately, but also by itinerant vendors of macaroons, sweetmeats and the like, who, as long as they have a travel ticket, ply their wares unhindered by the [ticket] collectors."
• "The pace came off the match as the first half continued, with the occasional frenetic moment down the flanks enlivening what otherwise became a chess-like tactical battle."