upshift

American  

[uhp-shift] / ˈʌpˌʃɪft /

verb (used without object)

1. to shift an automotive transmission or vehicle into a higher gear.

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verb (used with object)

1. to shift (an automotive transmission or vehicle) into a higher gear.

noun

1. an act or instance of upshifting.

Etymology

Origin of upshift

First recorded in 1950–55; up- + shift

Example Sentences

Verstappen revealed that he had a double upshift on his lap and had also failed to open the DRS overtaking aid on the run to the line, both of which would have cost time.

From BBC • Sep. 4, 2021

When he began to work with bottle caps, Mr. Anatsui undertook a substantial upshift in scale, and in artistic ambition.

From New York Times • Mar. 28, 2019

The automatic transmission tended to upshift quickly in city traffic, which helped to maximize fuel economy but didn’t always provide strident V-8 power, and the test-driven model averaged 18.3 miles per gallon in city/highway driving.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2016

This makes it hard to accidentally upshift under power and lose control.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 24, 2015

"Hermanos" breached both of those, and in the process allowed Esposito to upshift his already compelling performance.

From Time • Jun. 7, 2011