Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BRIGHT'EN, v.t. [brītn.]

1. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase luster.
2. To make luminous by light from without, or by dispelling gloom; as, to brighten sorrow or prospects. – Philips.
3. To cheer; to make gay or cheerful. Joy brightens his crest. – Milton.
4. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; as, to brighten a character. – Swift.
5. To make acute or witty. – Johnson.