enlighten

v. t. [ Pref. en- + lighten: cf. AS. inlīhtan. Cf. Enlight. ] 1. To supply with light; to illuminate; as, the sun enlightens the earth. [ 1913 Webster ]

His lightnings enlightened the world. Ps. xcvii. 4. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To make clear to the intellect or conscience; to shed the light of truth and knowledge upon; to furnish with increase of knowledge; to instruct; as, to enlighten the mind or understanding. [ 1913 Webster ]

The conscience enlightened by the Word and Spirit of God. Trench. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who enlightens or illuminates; one who, or that which, communicates light to the eye, or clear views to the mind. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. 1. enlightening so as to encourage intellectual or moral improvement.
Syn. -- edifying. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignorance; as, an enlightening glimpse of government in action. [ WordNet 1.5 ]