Definition

Verb (transitive, informal): To modify or enhance something, typically a vehicle or machine, to increase its power, speed, or performance significantly beyond its original specifications.

Usage

This verb is used to describe the act of making mechanical or technical modifications for improved performance. It is most commonly applied to vehicles like cars and motorcycles but can extend to other engines or machines. It implies a noticeable, often substantial, upgrade.

Examples

• The mechanic hopped up the engine to give it more horsepower.
• He spent the weekend hopping up his old motorcycle.
• They hoped up the lawnmower engine for the racing competition.

Advanced Usage

• "Hopped-up" (adjective): Describes something that has been modified in this way.
  • He was driving a hopped-up Mustang from the 1960s.
• The term often carries a connotation of customization for excitement or competition, rather than for practical, everyday improvements.

Variants and Related Words

• Souped up (verb/adjective): A very close synonym with identical meaning and usage. (e.g., ).
• Hot-rod (noun/verb): As a verb, it is related but more specific, often implying modifying a car into a hot rod.
• Tune up (verb): Refers to standard adjustments and maintenance for optimal performance, not the extensive modifications implied by "hop up."

Synonyms

• Modify
• Enhance
• Boost
• Turbocharge (literally and figuratively)

Antonyms

• Downgrade
• Impair
• Weaken

Related Phrases

• Hop it up: An informal variant with the same meaning.
  • His goal was to hop it up until it was the fastest car on the block.

Verb

1. make more powerful
   • he souped up the old cars