Sharp"en (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sarpened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sharpening.] [See Sharp, a.]

To make sharp.

Specifically: (a)

To give a keen edge or fine point to; to make sharper; as, to sharpen an ax, or the teeth of a saw

. (b)

To render more quick or acute in perception; to make more ready or ingenious.

The air . . . sharpened his visual ray To objects distant far. Milton.

He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Burke.

(c)

To make more eager; as, to sharpen men's desires

.

Epicurean cooks Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite. Shak.

(d)

To make more pungent and intense; as, to sharpen a pain or disease

. (e)

To make biting, sarcastic, or severe

. "Sharpen each word." E. Smith. (f)

To render more shrill or piercing

.

Inclosures not only preserve sound, but increase and sharpen it. Bacon.

(g)

To make more tart or acid; to make sour; as, the rays of the sun sharpen vinegar

. (h) Mus.

To raise, as a sound, by means of a sharp; to apply a sharp to

.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sharp"en, v. i.

To grow or become sharp.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.