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amp up

B2 informal separable both
In simple words

Make something more powerful, exciting, or louder.

Literal meaning: To increase the power of an amplifier.

Meanings

1 B2 informal

To increase the volume, power, or intensity of a sound system or electronic device.

"The DJ amped up the music as more people arrived on the dance floor."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To increase the energy, excitement, or intensity of a situation or activity.

"The coach's speech really amped up the team before the final."

"We need to amp up the pressure on these guys."

— Barack Obama, campaign rally speech, 2012
Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic slang

To become or feel very excited or energized, often to an excessive degree.

"She was totally amped up after drinking three energy drinks before the race."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Originally from audio engineering (increasing amplifier power), now very common in informal speech. Used frequently in sports, music, marketing, and everyday conversation. Becoming increasingly common in British English as well as American English.

Commonly used with

volume energy security production pressure excitement

Forms

Base
amp up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
amps up
he/she/it
Past simple
amped up
yesterday
Past participle
amped up
have + pp
-ing form
amping up
continuous

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