perk up

verb5

1. •
   To become more upright

   • His ears perked up when he heard there would be ice cream.
2. •
   To become more lively or enthusiastic.
3. •
   to cause to be more lively or enthusiastic.

   • […] ’tis better to be lowly born, And range with humble livers in content, Than to be perk’d up in a glistering grief, And wear a golden sorrow. — 1612
4. •
   To cause to be more upright, straighten up.

   • In lifting her arms to perk up the bow at her throat, she knocked a hat off the bracket. — 1870
5. •
   (no longer used) To exalt oneself, take on a higher status or position.

   • […] they should not give heed to Women, that would be perking up in matters of Worshiping God. — 1683