enliven

Enliven is a verb that means to make something more lively, interesting, or cheerful; to animate or energize; or to bring renewed life to a person, place, event, or thing. It is commonly used of discussions, performances, rooms, or atmospheres.

In practice, enlivening an activity involves adding elements that increase engagement or mood, such as humor, music, color, or surprising ideas. The word is typically transitive: you enliven a meeting, a party, or a speech; an atmosphere can be enlivened by better lighting or friendly interaction. The connotation is generally positive, though the effect can be temporary.

Etymology: The verb comes from en- "to cause to" and lively, with the latter rooted in life and vitality. The sense of adding life dates to the late 16th century.

Related terms include enlivening, vivify, animate, and brighten; while enliven suggests increasing energy rather than creating life anew.