1 C1 idiomatic formal
To become more lively, active, or fast-paced.
"Trade began to brisk up as the holiday season approached."
inseparable
brisk up
C1 formal separable transitive/intransitive
To become or cause to become more lively, quick, or energetic.
In plain English
To speed up and become more active and full of energy.
What does "brisk up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
To cause something or someone to become more active or energetic.
"A cold splash of water brisked him up enough to finish his shift."
separable
Usage tip
Largely archaic or dialectal. Rarely used in modern English. Encountered mainly in older literature. 'Liven up', 'perk up', or 'pick up' are preferred in contemporary usage.
Words that pair with "brisk up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
trade pace business movement activity
How to conjugate "brisk up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
brisk up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
brisks up
he/she/it
Past simple
brisked up
yesterday
Past participle
brisked up
have + pp
-ing form
brisking up
continuous
Hear "brisk up" in the wild
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