v. colloq. [f. LIFE + -EN5. Cf. ENLIVEN.] a. trans. To put life into; to brighten, cheer. Also with up. b. intr. To grow lively, to brighten; in quot. with up.

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1870.  Weekly Champion & Press (Atchison, KS), 15 Jan., 2/6. Times are beginning to liven up a little on the near approach of the legislative session.

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1884.  Manch. Exam., 26 Nov., 8/1. Matters will liven up a bit during the day.

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1897.  J. H. Crawford, Wild Flowers Scot., Introd. 13. A few typical forms in a natural setting, livened by some meident … in which I shared.

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  Hence Livener, something that enlivens; spec. a drink of beer or spirits; a ‘pick-me-up.’

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1870.  Evening News (Indianapolis), 19 April, 1/6. Tom got in three blows to John’s one; but Morrissey’s were staggerers, while McCann’s were only liveners.

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1887.  Pall Mall Gaz., 2 Aug., 13/2. I think he would want a livener before the time had expired.

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1895.  Daily News, 4 Jan., 3/7. He could not get out of bed unless he had two or three ‘liveners.’

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