Definition of Sharpen

1. Verb. Make sharp or sharper. "Sharpen the knives"

Generic synonyms: Alter, Change, Modify
Specialized synonyms: Strap, Edge, Strop, Whet, Hone
Antonyms: Dull
Derivative terms: Sharpener

2. Verb. Make crisp or more crisp and precise. "We had to sharpen our arguments"
Generic synonyms: Compound, Deepen, Heighten, Intensify

3. Verb. Become sharp or sharper. "The debate sharpened"
Generic synonyms: Deepen, Intensify

4. Verb. Put (an image) into focus. "Please focus the image; we cannot enjoy the movie"
Exact synonyms: Focalise, Focalize, Focus
Generic synonyms: Adjust, Correct, Set
Specialized synonyms: Refocus
Causes: Focalise, Focalize, Focus
Derivative terms: Focalisation, Focalization, Focus, Focusing
Antonyms: Blur
Also: Focus On

5. Verb. Make (images or sounds) sharp or sharper.
Specialized synonyms: Focus
Generic synonyms: Change Intensity
Antonyms: Soften

6. Verb. Raise the pitch of (musical notes).
Category relationships: Music
Generic synonyms: Alter, Change, Modify
Antonyms: Flatten

7. Verb. Give a point to. "The candles are tapered"
Exact synonyms: Point, Taper
Generic synonyms: Change Form, Change Shape, Deform
Specialized synonyms: Acuminate
Derivative terms: Point, Point, Point, Taper, Taper
Also: Taper Off, Taper Off

8. Verb. Make (one's senses) more acute. "This drug will sharpen your vision"
Exact synonyms: Heighten
Generic synonyms: Compound, Deepen, Heighten, Intensify
Specialized synonyms: Subtilise, Subtilize

Definition of Sharpen

1. v. t. To make sharp.

2. v. i. To grow or become sharp.

Definition of Sharpen

1. to make sharp [v -ED, -ING, -S] - See also: sharp

Medical Definition of Sharpen

1. To make sharp. Specifically: To give a keen edge or fine point to; to make sharper; as, to sharpen an ax, or the teeth of a saw. To render more quick or acute in perception; to make more ready or ingenious. "The air . . . Sharpened his visual ray To objects distant far." (Milton) "He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill." (Burke) To make more eager; as, to sharpen men's desires. "Epicurean cooks Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite." (Shak) To make more pungent and intense; as, to sharpen a pain or disease. To make biting, sarcastic, or severe. "Sharpen each word." . To render more shrill or piercing. "Inclosures not only preserve sound, but increase and sharpen it." (Bacon) To make more tart or acid; to make sour; as, the rays of the sun sharpen vinegar. To raise, as a sound, by means of a sharp; to apply a sharp to. Origin: See Sharp. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Sharpen

sharny
sharp
sharp
sharp-cornered
sharp-eared
sharp-eyed
sharp-limbed
sharp-pointed
sharp-set
sharp-sighted
sharp-sightedness
sharp-tailed grouse
sharp-worded
sharped
sharpen (current term)
sharpen (current term)
sharpened
sharpener
sharpeners
sharpening
sharpens
sharper
sharpers
sharpest
Sharpey
Sharpey's fibres
Sharpey-Schafer
sharpie
sharpies
sharping

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