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• step-up
  step-up

  adjective

  effecting an increase.
• step up
  step up

  verb

  (tr) to increase or raise by stages; accelerate

step-up

American  

[step-uhp] / ˈstɛpˌʌp /

Or stepup

adjective

1. effecting an increase.

2. Electricity. serving to increase voltage.

   a step-up transformer.

3. (of a lease) allowing for gradual rent increases to the highest amount permissible.

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noun

1. an increase or rise in the rate or quantity of something.

step up British  

verb

1. (tr) to increase or raise by stages; accelerate

2. (intr) to make progress or effect an advancement; be promoted

3. 1. baseball to move into batting position

   2. to come forward and take responsibility for something

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adjective

1. (of a transformer) increasing a low voltage applied to the primary winding to a higher voltage on the secondary winding Compare step down

2. informal involving a rise by stages

noun

1. informal an increment in quantity, size, etc

step up Idioms  

1. Increase, especially in stages, as in We've got to step up production . [Early 1900s] Also see step down , def. 2.

2. Come forward, as in Step up to the podium, folks, and I'll show you how it works . [Mid-1600s]

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Etymology

Origin of step-up

First recorded in 1890–95; adj., noun use of verb phrase step up

Example Sentences

You may decide to keep the property solely in your name — which would give your daughter a tax-advantaged step-up in basis when she inherits it — rather than adding your daughter as a co-owner.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

“Looking forward, we see an attractive step-up in growth that’s higher than consensus and not fully priced in,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The key step-up for Joshua came in his 15th fight: a win over Dillian Whyte for the British title, which developed his resolve and enhanced his profile.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

But if you go with the Neo, try to get the $699 step-up model with 512GB of storage and, more importantly, Touch ID.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

Similarly, the word "booster" is now used for a step-up or voltage-raising transformer or dynamo, inserted in series with an electric supply main.

From Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by Fleming, John Ambrose

Related Words

• boost
• escalate
• hasten
• improve
• increase
• intensify
• quicken
• raise
• speed