Definition

Verb: 1. To increase the speed or rate of operation of an engine or motor by increasing the number of its revolutions per minute (RPM). This is the literal, mechanical meaning. 2. To make something more active, intense, or faster; to energize or stimulate. This is a figurative extension, applying the concept of increasing RPM to activities, processes, or groups of people.

Usage and Examples

• Literal (Engine/Motor):
  • The mechanic revved up the engine to check for any strange noises.
  • He revved the motorcycle up loudly before speeding off.
• Figurative (Activity/Energy):
  • The company needs to rev up production to meet the new demand.
  • The coach gave a speech to rev up the team before the big game.
  • Let's rev up the marketing campaign for the new product launch.

Advanced Usage

• The verb can often be separated ("rev the engine up").
• It can be used intransitively (without a direct object) in the literal sense:

Variants and Related Words

• Rev (verb/noun): The core element. As a verb: . As a noun:
• Revved-up (adjective): Describing a state of high energy or excitement.

Synonyms

• Accelerate: To increase in speed.
• Speed up: To cause to go faster.
• Stimulate: To encourage activity or growth.
• Energize: To give energy or enthusiasm to.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fire up: To fill with energy or enthusiasm (very similar figurative use).

Related Idioms

• Step on the gas: To accelerate; to increase speed or effort (figurative).

Verb

1. increase the number of rotations per minute
   • rev up an engine
2. speed up
   • let's rev up production