lighten

Universal Words verb 1 [VN] to reduce the amount of work, debt, worry, etc. that sb has: equipment to lighten the load of domestic work * The measures will lighten the tax burden on small businesses. 2 to become or make sth become brighter or lighter in colour: [V] The sky began to lighten in the east. * [VN] Use bleach to lighten the wood. 3 ~ (sth) (up) to feel or make sb feel less sad, worried or serious: [V] My mood gradually lightened. * [VN] She told a joke to lighten the atmosphere. 4 [VN] to make sth lighter in weight PHRASALVERBS lighten up (spoken) used to tell sb to become less serious or worried about sth: Come on, John. Lighten up!