'enliven' originates from Middle English/Early Modern English, specifically formed from the prefix 'en-' (from Old French 'en-') and the verb 'live' (Old English 'libban'/'līf'), where 'en-' meant 'to make' or 'put into' and 'live' meant 'alive'.

'enliven' developed by adding the formative prefix 'en-' to the existing Old English root for 'live'; this combination in Early Modern English produced the verb 'enliven', which became established in modern English.

Initially, it meant 'to make alive' or 'to give life'; over time the meaning broadened to the more general 'make more lively, interesting, or energetic'.