rev up

To make an engine run faster, or for an engine to run faster.

• The driver revved up the engine.
• The motor revved up with a loud roar.
• Stop revving your car up outside my window.

How to use it: rev something up (He revved the engine up before moving off.)

Similar words: rev, accelerate

Opposites: slow down

Common phrases: rev up engines, rev up loudly

To make someone or something more energetic or active.

• This music revs me up.
• The speech revved up the crowd.
• They hope the festival will rev up local business.

How to use it: rev someone/something up (The coach revved the players up before the match.)

Similar words: energize, stimulate, boost

Opposites: calm down

Common phrases: rev up someone, rev up sales

To become busier, faster, or more energetic.

• Business is revving up again.
• The campaign revved up as election day approached.
• We expect activity to rev up during the summer.

Similar words: pick up, accelerate

Opposites: slow down

Common phrases: rev up again, rev up quickly