What does "refresh" mean?

1. (to revitalize) to make someone or something feel fresh, cool, or full of energy again. 2. (to update a screen) to click a button so a webpage or app shows the newest information. 3. (to remind yourself) to look at information again so you remember it clearly. 4. (a digital update) the act of updating a screen or the speed at which it updates.

How do you use "refresh"?

usually used in the phrase 'refresh one's memory'.

refresh

v. · n.

US //ɹɪˈfɹɛʃ// re·fresh

1 to revitalize (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to make someone or something feel fresh, cool, or full of energy again.

to restore strength, energy, or a sense of freshness to a person or object.

Example

A quick shower will refresh you after your long flight.

Example

The short break in the mountains served to refresh the team's spirits before they tackled the final phase of the project.
- tire
- exhaust
2 to update a screen (v.)
A2 Elementary Computing

to click a button so a webpage or app shows the newest information.

to reload a digital document or interface to reflect the most recent data changes. Often used as an ambitransitive verb.

Example

If the video doesn't start, try to refresh the page.

Example

The trader had to refresh the browser constantly to keep track of the rapidly fluctuating stock prices during the opening hour.
- reload
- update

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3 to remind yourself (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to look at information again so you remember it clearly.

to stimulate the memory by re-examining information or facts previously learned.

Example

I need to refresh my memory on the rules before we start the game.

Example

The witness asked to see her original statement to refresh her memory regarding the exact sequence of events that night.

Usage

usually used in the phrase 'refresh one's memory'.
- jog
- review
- brush up
4 a digital update (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

the act of updating a screen or the speed at which it updates.

the action of updating a display or the periodic energizing of computer memory to maintain data integrity.

Example

The app requires a manual refresh to show your new messages.

Example

The high refresh rate of the new monitor ensures that fast-moving images appear smooth and without ghosting effects.
- update
- reload

Origin

From Middle English refreshen, refreschen, refrisschen, from Old French refrescher (“to refresh”) (modern French rafraîchir), equivalent to re- + fresh.

Word family

Verbrefresh
Nounrefresher