sharpen Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb make sharp or sharper
    • sharpen the knives
  2. verb make crisp or more crisp and precise
    • We had to sharpen our arguments
  3. verb become sharp or sharper
    • The debate sharpened
  4. verb put (an image) into focus; we cannot enjoy the movie"
    focalize; focalise; focus.
    • Please focus the image
  5. verb make (images or sounds) sharp or sharper
  6. verb raise the pitch of (musical notes)
  7. verb give a point to
    point; taper.
    • The candles are tapered
  8. verb make (one's senses) more acute
    heighten.
    • This drug will sharpen your vision

WordNet

Sharp"en transitive verb
Etymology
See Sharp, a.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Sarpened ; present participle & verbal noun Sharpening
Definitions
  1. To make sharp. Specifically: (a) To give a keen edge or fine point to; to make sharper; as, to sharpen an ax, or the teeth of a saw. (b) 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.
    (c) To make more eager; as, to sharpen men's desires.
    Epicurean cooks Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite. Shak.
    (d) To make more pungent and intense; as, to sharpen a pain or disease. (e) To make biting, sarcastic, or severe. "Sharpen each word." E. Smith. (f) To render more shrill or piercing.
    Inclosures not only preserve sound, but increase and sharpen it. Bacon.
    (g) To make more tart or acid; to make sour; as, the rays of the sun sharpen vinegar. (h) (Mus.) To raise, as a sound, by means of a sharp; to apply a sharp to.
Sharp"en intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To grow or become sharp.

Webster 1913