warm up

British  

verb

1. to make or become warm or warmer

2. (intr) to exercise in preparation for and immediately before a game, contest, or more vigorous exercise

3. to get ready for something important; prepare

4. to run or operate (an engine, etc) until the normal working temperature or condition is attained, or (of an engine, etc) to undergo this process

5. to make or become more animated or enthusiastic

   the party warmed up when Tom came

6. to reheat (already cooked food) or (of such food) to be reheated

7. (tr) to make (an audience) relaxed and receptive before a show, esp a television comedy show

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noun

1. the act or an instance of warming up

2. a preparatory exercise routine

warm up Idioms  

1. Prepare for exercise or an athletic event by stretching or practicing beforehand, as in It's important to warm up before you play any sport . The idiom is also applied to musicians getting ready to perform. [Late 1800s]

2. Make enthusiastic, excited, or animated, as in He was good at warming up an audience for the main speaker . [Mid-1800s]

3. Also, warm up to . Become friendlier or more receptive toward, as in I had a hard time warming up to my mother-in-law . [Early 1800s]

4. Reach a temperature high enough to work efficiently, as in I'll go out and warm up the car . [Mid-1900s]

5. Reheat food, as in If we warm up the leftovers, we'll have enough for everyone . [Mid-1800s]

6. Approach a state of violence or confrontation, as in Racial tension was rapidly warming up . Also see heat up .

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Example Sentences

Lanthimos explains, “First, there’s warming up; it is more like a dance theater company troupe. During that, you get people interacting with each other, finding their rhythm.”

From Los Angeles Times

Williams is slated to warm up for the Australian Open at next week’s ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, and at the Hobart International in Australia starting Jan. 12.

From Los Angeles Times

Or, if that metaphor doesn’t appeal to you, how about a late-inning relief pitcher warming up in the bullpen?

From Salon

USC had made clear that it wanted to play the game earlier in the season, but was warming up to the idea of continuing the series as is through 2027.

From Los Angeles Times

"I was just trying to warm up my legs, trying to get moving and it just couldn't happen," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• arrange
• assemble
• brace
• develop
• draw up
• equip
• form
• formulate
• gird
• make
• plan
• produce
• provide
• qualify
• ready
• strengthen
• supply
• train