to supply or brighten with light; light up.

to make lucid or clear; throw light on (a subject).

to decorate with lights, as in celebration.

to enlighten, as with knowledge.

to make resplendent or illustrious

A smile illuminated her face.

to decorate (a manuscript, book, etc.) with colors and gold or silver, as was often done in the Middle Ages.

to display lights, as in celebration.

to become illuminated.

Archaic . illuminated.

Obsolete . enlightened.

Archaic . a person who is or affects to be specially enlightened.

verb

cloud , darken , obscure , complicate , dull , involve

verb

brighten , fire , flash , floodlight , highlight , hit with a light , ignite , illume , illumine , irradiate , kindle , light , lighten , light up , limelight * , spot , spotlight , better , clarify , clear up , construe , define , dramatize , edify , elucidate , enlighten , explain , expound , express , finish , give insight , gloss , illustrate , improve , instruct , interpret , perfect , polish , shed light on , uplight , clear , adorn , celebrate , emblaze , enhance , glow , uplift