ˈshärpən, ˈshȧp- verb
( sharpened ; sharpened ; sharpening -p(ə)niŋ ; sharpens )
Etymology: Middle English sharpenen, from sharp (I) + -enen, -nen -en
transitive verb
1. : to make sharp : give a keen edge or fine point to
sharpen an ax
2. : to make sharper: as
a. : to make quicker or more acute in perception or ready in action
b. : to make more eager
c. : to make (as a law) more severe
d. : to make more intense
sharpen a pain
e. : to make (as one's speech) biting, sarcastic, or harsh
f. : to make shriller or more piercing
g. : to make more tart or pungent
the rays of the sun sharpen vinegar
cheese sharpened by ripening
h. : to make thin or emaciated
i. : to make distinct in outline
j. : to increase the activity of (lime liquors used in removing hair from hides) usually by adding sodium sulfide
3. chiefly Britain : sharp vt 2
4. : to brace up sharp
intransitive verb
1. : to grow or become sharp
2. chiefly Britain : sharp vi 1
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- sharpen one's knife