'enliven' originates from Middle English, formed from the prefix 'en-' plus 'liven', where 'en-' meant 'to cause to be' and 'liven' meant 'to make alive' (from 'live').

'enliven' changed from Middle English 'enlivenen' and eventually became the modern English word 'enliven'; the past/p.p. form became 'enlivened'.

Initially it meant 'to make alive' or 'give life'; over time it broadened to mean 'to make more lively, interesting, or spirited', which is the current usage.