en·liv·en

[en-lahy-vuhn]
verb (used with object)
1.
to make vigorous or active; invigorate: The wit of Mencken enlivened his age.
2.
to make sprightly or cheerful; brighten: Flowers enliven any room.
Origin:
1625–35; obsolete enlive to give life to (en-1 + life) + -en1

Related forms
en·liv·en·er, noun
en·liv·en·ing·ly, adverb
en·liv·en·ment, noun
un·en·liv·ened, adjective
un·en·liv·en·ing, adjective

Synonyms
1. animate, inspirit, vivify, stimulate, quicken. 2. gladden. See cheer.

Antonyms
2. depress.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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to steal or take dishonestly (money, esp. public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle.
to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
enliven (ɪnˈlaɪvən) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—vb
1.  to make active, vivacious, or spirited; invigorate
2.  to make cheerful or bright; gladden or brighten
 
en'livener
 
—n
 
en'livening
 
—adj
 
en'livenment
 
—n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

enliven
1633, from en- "make, put in" + liven (see live).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Example sentences
Their contributions enrich our national tapestry and enliven our national
  conversation.
The caricature is unfair, but it could enliven what has been a largely
  issueless election.
She strives to combine the literal subject with hints of lines and objects that
  enliven the background.
Some shore-based sight-seeing is included, while cultural programs and
  traditional dances enliven the evenings.
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