lighten

LIGHTEN, verb intransitive li'tn. [from light, the fluid.] 1. To flash; to burst forth or dart, as lightning; to shine with an instantaneous illumination. This dreadful night that thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars as doth the lion. 2. To shine like lightning. 3. To fall; to light. obsolete LIGHTEN, verb transitive li'tn. 1. To dissipate darkness; to fill with light; to spread over with light; to illuminate; to enlighten; as, to lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the streets. A key of fire ran all along the shore, and lightened all the river with a blaze. 2. To illuminate with knowledge; in a moral sense. A light to lighten the Gentiles. Luke 2:32. 3. To free from trouble and fill with joy. They looked to him and were lightened. Psalms 34:5. LIGHTEN, verb transitive li'tn. [from light, not heavy.] 1. To make lighter; to reduce in weight; to make less heavy; as, to lighten a ship by unloading; to lighten a load or burden. 2. To alleviate; to make less burdensome or afflictive; as, to lighten the cares of life; to lighten the burden of grief. 3. To cheer; to exhilarate. He lightens my humor with his merry jest.