crank-up

[ krangk-uhp ]

/ ˈkræŋkˌʌp /

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noun

an act or instance of cranking up.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

Just nominate someone who can crank up the “white community,” and problems solved.
Black Turnout, GOP Denial Both High|Michael Tomasky|April 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The man who made a bundle selling car alarms is about to crank up the volume on the Obama White House.
The GOP's New Top Cop|Howard Kurtz|November 27, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Time for the GOP to listen to Ryan and crank up the ideas machine.
Wanted: A Republican Vision|Mark McKinnon|July 20, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Just then Henry indulged in his little habit of stopping altogether, and Zebedee had to get out and crank up.
Vacation with the Tucker Twins|Nell Speed

Hastily grabbing some cheese I would crank up the little lorry and depart.
Fanny Goes to War|Pat Beauchamp
I'm suggesting that you—er—crank up the machine, Mr. Flowers, and beat it while the going's good!
The Definite Object|Jeffery Farnol
Then they would all make a dash, and he would crank up while Billie jumped in and started the car.
The Motor Maids' School Days|Katherine Stokes
I had strength enough left to get out and crank up, then, but none to spare.
The Car That Went Abroad|Albert Bigelow Paine

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

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]