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crank-up

[ krangk-uhp ]
/ ˈkræŋkˌʌp /
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noun
an act or instance of cranking up.
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Origin of crank-up

First recorded in 1905–10; noun use of verb phrase crank up
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use crank-up in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for crank-up

crank up

verb (tr) slang
to increase (loudness, output, etc)he cranked up his pace
to set in motion or invigoratenews editors have to crank up tired reporters
(intr, adverb) to inject a narcotic drug
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with crank-up

crank up

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]

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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