crank-up

American  

[krangk-uhp] / ˈkræŋkˌʌp /

noun

1. an act or instance of cranking up.

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crank up British  

verb

1. to increase (loudness, output, etc)

   he cranked up his pace

2. to set in motion or invigorate

   news editors have to crank up tired reporters

3. (intr, adverb) to inject a narcotic drug

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crank up Idioms  

1. Get started, as in The theater season is cranking up with four benefit performances . This expression transfers the literal sense of crank , “operate a motor by turning a crank,” to starting any activity. [ Slang ; 1930s]

2. Stimulate or intensify one's efforts. For example, We've got to crank up enthusiasm for this new product , or Close to the election the campaign really cranked up . [ Slang ; mid-1900s]

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Etymology

Origin of crank-up

First recorded in 1905–10; noun use of verb phrase crank up

Example Sentences

Borthwick's selections over the campaign have been getting more adventurous, but this was a crank-up of the curveball.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2025