crank-up

[krangk-uhp]

noun

1. an act or instance of cranking up.

crank up

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of crank up¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

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]