Enliven, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Enlivened; p. pr. & vb. n. Enlivening.]
Etymology: [Pref. en- + liven.]
.
1. To give life, action, or motion to; to make vigorous or active; to excite; to quicken; as, fresh fuel enlivens a fire. Lo! of themselves th' enlivened chessmen move. Cowley.
2. To give spirit or vivacity to; to make sprightly, gay, or cheerful; to animate; as, mirth and good humor enliven a company; enlivening strains of music.
Syn. -- To animate; rouse; inspire; cheer; encourage; comfort; exhilarate; inspirit; invigorate.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for enliven; he lists it under entertain.
Where he writes about it:
We beguile a weary hour, cheer the despondent, divert the preoccupied, enliven a dull evening or company, gratify our friends' wishes, entertain, interest, please a listening audience, occupy idle time, disport ourselves when merry, recreate when worn with toil; we amuse ourselves or others with whatever pleasantly passes the time without special exertion, each according to his taste. — from entertain