To enlighten something is either to illuminate it - to shed light literally or to do so figuratively and make it more comprehensible or understood. Also to accept new ideas and to disseminate them widely, as in the time period of The Enlightenment.

En*light"en (?), v. t. [Pref. en- + lighten: cf. AS. inlihtan. Cf. Enlight.]

1.

To supply with light; to illuminate; as, the sun enlightens the earth.

His lightnings enlightened the world. Ps. xcvii. 4.

2.

To make clear to the intellect or conscience; to shed the light of truth and knowledge upon; to furnish with increase of knowledge; to instruct; as, to enlighten the mind or understanding.

The conscience enlightened by the Word and Spirit of God. Trench.

 

© Webster 1913.

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