start up

To make a business, machine, or other activity begin working.

• They want to start up a company.
• I started up the engine.
• Can you start the computer up?

How to use it: start something up (Please start the computer up.); start it up (We bought a van and started it up.)

Similar words: start, launch, set up

Opposites: shut down

Common phrases: start up something, start up a business, start up an engine

If a machine begins working, it starts to run.

• The engine started up easily.
• My computer takes ages to start up.
• Will the generator start up in this cold?

Similar words: start, come on

Opposites: stop

Common phrases: start up again, start up automatically

To begin an activity or event.

• The music started up again.
• A lively discussion started up after lunch.
• The band started up playing as we entered.

How to use it: start up doing something (The band started up playing a cheerful tune.)

Similar words: begin, start

Opposites: stop

Common phrases: start up again, start up playing

To begin singing, calling, or making another sound.

• A bird started up outside.
• At dawn, the roosters started up.
• The dogs started up again when they heard footsteps.

Similar words: pipe up, begin singing

Common phrases: start up singing, start up again

To suddenly get to your feet or sit upright, often because you are surprised.

• He started up in alarm.
• She started up from her chair when the door slammed.
• Hearing his name, the sleeping guard started up.

How to use it: start up from something (She started up from her chair at the loud knock.)

Similar words: spring up, jump up

Common phrases: start up suddenly, start up alarmed