LIGHTEN, verb intransitive 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. obsolete

LIGHTEN, verb transitive 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 2:32.

3. To free from trouble and fill with joy.

They looked to him and were lightened. Psalms 34:5.

LIGHTEN, verb transitive 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.