Definition

1. Verb:
   • To start or operate something by turning a crank: This refers to the physical action of using a crank handle to start an engine or machine.
   • To increase the level, intensity, or amount of something: This figurative meaning refers to making something more powerful, louder, or more active.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Literal - to start with a crank):

  • He had to crank up the old tractor before he could use it.
  • Before electric starters, drivers would crank up their cars by hand.

• Verb (Figurative - to increase):

  • Let's crank up the volume on the stereo!
  • The factory will crank up production to meet the new demand.
  • We need to crank up the pressure on them to finish the project.

Advanced Usage

• "to crank up the heat": To increase pressure or intensity in a situation.

  • The coach cranked up the heat during practice to prepare the team for the finals.

• "to crank it up a notch": To increase the level or intensity of something significantly.

  • The band cranked it up a notch for the final song of the concert.

Variants and Related Words

• Crank (noun): A handle or arm that is turned to transmit motion.
  • He turned the crank to lower the window.
• Crank (verb): To turn a crank.
  • She had to crank the lever several times.

Synonyms

• Amplify: To increase the strength or amount of (especially sound).
• Boost: To help or encourage to increase or improve.
• Intensify: To become or make more intense.
• Rev up: To increase the speed of an engine or, figuratively, any activity.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Crank out: To produce something in a mechanical, rapid, and often large quantity.
  • The author cranked out three novels last year.

Related Idioms

• To crank someone's chain (or crank someone up): To tease or annoy someone intentionally.
  • He's just cranking your chain; don't take him seriously.

Verb

1. rotate with a crank
2. start by cranking
   • crank up the engine