KJV Dictionary Definition: lighten

lighten

LIGHTEN, v.i. 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. Obs.

LIGHTEN, v.t. 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.

3. To free from trouble and fill with joy.

They looked to him and were lightened. Ps. 34.

LIGHTEN, v.t. 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.