jack up
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To raise or lift something using a mechanical device, especially a jack: This is the literal meaning, referring to the physical act of elevating an object, typically a vehicle, with a specialized tool.
- To increase something sharply, especially a price or rate: This is a figurative meaning, describing a sudden and often substantial increase.
Usage Examples
Literal Meaning (to lift):
- We need to jack up the car to replace the flat tire.
- The mechanic jacked up the rear axle to inspect the suspension.
Figurative Meaning (to increase sharply):
- The oil company jacked up prices after the hurricane.
- They've jacked up the rent by 20% this year.
Advanced Usage
- "to jack up [something]": Often implies a forceful, manual, or deliberate action to cause an increase or elevation. It can carry a negative connotation when used figuratively, suggesting an unfair or abrupt hike.
- The government jacked up taxes on luxury goods.
- He jacked up the volume on the stereo.
Variants and Related Words
- Jack (n): The device (e.g., car jack, hydraulic jack) used for lifting.
- Jack (v): As a verb, can mean to lift with a jack (e.g., ), but "jack up" is the more complete phrasal verb form.
Synonyms
- Raise / Lift (for the literal meaning).
- Hike / Increase / Boost / Raise (for the figurative meaning, with "hike" being the closest in informal connotation).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Jack in (slang): To stop doing something, to quit. (e.g., )
- Jack around (slang): To waste time or act foolishly; to mess around.
Related Idioms
- To be jacked up (slang):
- To be excited, pumped up, or full of energy.
- The team was jacked up for the championship game.
- To be under the influence of stimulant drugs.
- He was jacked up on caffeine and couldn't sleep.
- To be in a state of disorder or malfunction (often for machinery).
- The engine is all jacked up; it needs a complete overhaul.
Verb
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lift with a special device
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jack up the car so you can change the tire
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