to descend; to light.-to burst forth or dart, as lightning; to shine with, or like, lightning; to display a flash or flashes of lightning; to flash.-to grow lighter; to become less dark or lowering; to brighten; to clear, as the sky.-to make light or clear; to light; to illuminate; as, to lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the streets.-to illuminate with knowledge; to enlighten.-to emit or disclose in, or as in, lightning; to flash out, like lightning.-to free from trouble and fill with joy.-to make lighter, or less heavy; to reduce in weight; to relieve of part of a load or burden; as, to lighten a ship by unloading; to lighten a load or burden.-to make less burdensome or afflictive; to alleviate; as, to lighten the cares of life or the burden of grief.-to cheer; to exhilarate.