Sharpen

(shärp'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. SHARPENED; p. pr. & vb. n. SHARPENING.] [A-S. scerpan, scyr-pan, L. Ger. scharpen, D. scherpen, Sw. skärpa, Dan. skärpe, H. Ger. schärfen.] To make sharp; as, (a.) To give a keen edge or fine point to; to edge; to point; as, to sharpen a knife, an ax, or the teeth of a saw; to sharpen a sword. (b.) To render more quick or acute in perception.

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

(c.) To make more quick, acute, or ingenious; as, to sharpen the intellect. “He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill.” Burke. (d.) To render more keen; to make more eager; as, to sharpen the appetite; to sharpen a desire. (e.) To make more pungent and painful; as, to sharpen a pain or disease. (f.) To make biting, sarcastic, or severe. “Sharpen each word.” Smith. (g.) To render less flat, or more shrill or piercing. “Inclosures not only preserve sound, but increase and sharpen it.” Bacon. (h.) To make more tart or acid; to make sour; as, the rays of the sun sharpen vinegar. (i.) (Mus.) To raise, as a sound by means of a sharp; to apply a sharp to.