Synonyms:
lighten, lighten_up, buoy_up
Meaning: make more cheerful; "the conversation lightened me up a bit"
Usage examples
Jones' dark face did not lighten.
He had worked steadily for her sake, and shielded her from every care that it lay within his power to lighten.
The brave fellow, heaving deep sighs, began at last to lighten the balloon; but, from time to time, he would stop, and ask:
Ever was it fast day and fleshless day with her, so that by any means she might lighten the burthen that her friend must carry in his arms.
The expense of the army and navy was great, and the ministry, in striving to lighten the burdens of the people, turned their eyes to the colonies.
All was now confusion and despair--but an effort was made to lighten the ship by throwing overboard as much of her cargo as could be reached, and by cutting away the two masts that remained.
In the winter, I am told, they take the linen down to the river to wash it in the cold water, and though their hands, cut by the ice, are cracked and bleeding, the men, their fellow-servants, will not disgrace their manhood by carrying a tub to lighten their burden.