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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Brighten \Bright"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Brightened; p. pr. & vb. n. Brightening.] Note: [From Bright, a.] 1. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase the luster of; to give a brighter hue to. [1913 Webster] 2. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to. [1913 Webster] The present queen would brighten her character, if she would exert her authority to instill virtues into her people. --Swift. [1913 Webster] 3. To improve or relieve by dispelling gloom or removing that which obscures and darkens; to shed light upon; to make cheerful; as, to brighten one's prospects. [1913 Webster] An ecstasy, which mothers only feel, Plays round my heart and brightens all my sorrow. --Philips. [1913 Webster] 4. To make acute or witty; to enliven. --Johnson. [1913 Webster]