What does invigorate mean?
Invigorate means to restore energy, strength, or enthusiasm to a person or thing, or to make something feel more lively and stimulating. The word is often used when describing exercise, fresh air, a memorable experience, or a drink that wakes someone up: “The morning air invigorated her.” It can also be applied more broadly to places, organizations, and activities, as in a plan intended to invigorate the local economy. Its tone is generally positive and energizing, suggesting renewal rather than merely maintenance. In formal contexts, especially business and public affairs, it can carry a promotional or aspirational quality. The related adjective “invigorating” is especially common in descriptions of exercise, scenery, and experiences that feel refreshing.
verbTo give someone or something renewed strength, energy, or vitality. It can also mean to make a place, activity, or organization more dynamic and stimulating.
- To give someone renewed physical strength, energy, or vitality.
- To make a place, activity, organization, or idea more dynamic and stimulating.
- To restore freshness or strength to something.
"A brisk walk in the morning invigorated her before the long day ahead."
"The cool mountain air invigorated the hikers after their climb."
"The new investment aims to invigorate the local economy."
The word “invigorate” literally means to put vigor into something, and it remains a vivid way to describe restoring energy and alertness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does invigorate come from?
“Invigorate” comes from the Latin verb invigorare, meaning “to enliven” or “give vigor to.” It was formed from the prefix in-, meaning “into,” and vigor, from the Latin vigor, meaning “force, energy, or vitality.” English cognates include “vigor” and “vigorous,” while “vitality” belongs to a related family expressing life and life force.
Related word forms
How invigorate is actually used
Usually positive and often used with people, the body, the mind, exercise, drinks, air, and similar sources of refreshment. In business and political contexts, it can sound formal or promotional.
Easily confused with invigorate
“Invigorate” means to restore energy or vitality, whereas “invite” means to ask someone to attend or participate.