sharpen meaning and definition

SHARPEN verb

Definition of sharpen (verb)

1. make sharp or sharper
   • "sharpen the knives"
   • antonym: blunt
2. make crisp or more crisp and precise
   • "We had to sharpen our arguments"
3. become sharp or sharper
   • "The debate sharpened"
4. put (an image) into focus
   • "Please focus the image; we cannot enjoy the movie"
   • synonyms: focalise, focalize, focus
   • antonym: blear
5. make (images or sounds) sharp or sharper
   • antonym: soften
6. raise the pitch of (musical notes)
   • antonym: drop
7. give a point to
   • "The candles are tapered"
   • synonyms: point, taper
8. make (one's senses) more acute
   • "This drug will sharpen your vision"
   • synonyms: heighten