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Technology

353 phrasal verbs in this topic

abstract away from
C1

To mentally ignore specific details in order to focus on the general or essential aspects of something.

act up
B1

To behave badly or in a difficult way, or (of a machine or body part) to stop working properly.

add on
A2

To include an extra feature, charge, or element to something that already exists.

ape in
C1

To invest in a cryptocurrency, stock, or financial asset impulsively and without proper research, often following hype.

back up
A2

To reverse a vehicle; to support or confirm someone's statement; to create a copy of data; or to form a blockage.

badge in
C1

To gain entry to a building or secure area by scanning or presenting an electronic access badge.

badge out
C1

To exit a building or secure area by scanning or presenting an electronic access badge, or to record departure in an access control system.

badge up
C1

To provide someone with or put on an identification badge, typically before an event or on starting a new role.

bake in
B2

To incorporate something so deeply into a process, system, or plan that it becomes a permanent and inseparable part of it.

bang away
B2

To continue doing something persistently, noisily, or energetically, especially shooting, typing, or working.

batch up
B1

To collect or organize items into groups or batches for processing or handling together.

be on
A2

To be happening, functioning, available, scheduled, or (of a person) behaving unusually.

beam up
B2

To transport someone or something instantaneously using a fictional energy beam; also used humorously to mean to remove someone from an unpl

bed in
B2

To go through an adjustment period to allow something new — a system, mechanism, or person — to settle and function properly.

beef up
B2

To make something stronger, larger, or more substantial.

beep out
B2

To replace an offensive or inappropriate word in a broadcast with a beeping sound.

bell up
C1

British informal: to telephone someone.

black out
B1

To lose consciousness or memory; to extinguish all lights; to censor by covering with black; or to suffer a total power failure.

blare out
B2

To make a loud, harsh, or strident noise, especially from speakers, horns, or radios.

blast off
B1

Of a rocket or spacecraft: to leave the ground with explosive propulsion; figuratively, to start something with great energy.

blast out
B2

To send out sound, music, or an announcement at very high volume; or to expel or remove something with explosive force.

blast up
C1

To increase volume dramatically; or to rise or move rapidly upward with great force.

bleep out
B2

To replace offensive or inappropriate words in a broadcast with a bleep sound so that the audience cannot hear them.

blip out
C1

To disappear or stop briefly, like a signal blipping off a screen.

blow up
A2

To explode or cause to explode; to inflate with air; to become very angry; or for something to suddenly become a major issue.

boot up
A2

To start up a computer or electronic device so that it is ready to use.

break down
A2

to stop working, collapse, separate into parts, or explain something step by step

break through
B2

to force your way through a barrier or make a major advance

bridge up
C1

to form or create a bridge-like connection or blockage across a space

brown out
B2

A partial reduction in electrical power causing lights to dim and appliances to work poorly, or (military) a partial blackout of lights for

buffer up
C1

To add a protective layer, margin, or cushion around something to protect it from impact or fluctuation.

bug up
C1

To introduce bugs or errors into a software program or system.

build in
B2

To include something as a permanent or integral part of a design, structure, or plan.

build into
B2

To incorporate something permanently into a larger structure, system, or plan.

build out
B2

To expand or develop an existing structure, network, or product further.

burn in
B2

To permanently mark a surface by burning, or (of a screen image) to become permanently fixed after prolonged display.

burn out
B1

To stop working due to exhaustion or overuse; to become mentally or physically exhausted; or to stop burning due to lack of fuel.

buzz in
A2

To allow someone to enter a building by pressing an electronic button that releases a door lock.

buzz up
B1

To contact someone on an upper floor via intercom, or to make someone feel energetic and excited.

cable up
B1

To connect equipment, a building, or a system using cables.

call up
B1

To telephone someone, to conscript someone for military service, or to retrieve stored data or memories.

cam out
C1

To pull the camera view outward or away from a subject, typically in video games, film, or virtual environments.

cap up
C1

To put a cap or cover on something, or (in typography) to convert text to capital letters.

case up
C1

To enclose or cover something in a case or protective casing.

change over
B1

To move from one system, activity, or position to another; to switch.

charge up
A2

To fill a battery with electrical power; or to make someone feel excited and full of energy.

click for
B1

To click on a link, button, or icon in order to access or obtain something online.

click off
B1

To turn something off by pressing or clicking a switch or button; also to deselect a checkbox or option online.

click through
B1

To navigate through web pages, slides, or digital content by clicking; especially to reach a destination by clicking a link.

clock in
B1

To record the time you arrive at work, usually using a machine or app.

clock off
B1

To record the time you finish work and leave, typically using a machine or app.

clock on
B1

To record the start of your working shift; a British variant of 'clock in.'

clock out
B1

To record the time you finish your work shift, typically using a machine or digital system.

clog up
B1

To block something gradually with an accumulation of material, making it unable to flow or function properly.

close down
B1

To permanently or indefinitely stop operating, especially of a business, shop, or broadcasting service.

clown on
C1

To publicly mock, ridicule, or humiliate a specific person, especially on social media (internet slang).

code up
B2

To write the computer code for a program, feature, or algorithm.

comb through
B1

To search through a large amount of material, information, or an area very carefully and thoroughly.

comment out
B2

In programming, to temporarily disable lines of code by turning them into comments so they are not executed.

compass out
C1

To measure, draw, or delineate the boundary or extent of something, especially using a compass or similar instrument.

conk out
B1

To suddenly stop working, or to fall asleep from exhaustion.

connect up
B1

To join or link things together, especially electrically or mechanically, to form a complete system.

crank out
B1

To produce something quickly and in large quantities, often suggesting a mechanical or routine process.

crank up
B1

To increase the volume, speed, or intensity of something dramatically, or to start up a machine or process.

crap out
B2

To fail or stop working suddenly; to withdraw from a commitment at the last moment; to lose in a dice game (gambling origin).

crop out
B2

To appear at the surface of the ground, or to remove an unwanted part from the edge of a photograph or image.

cue up
B1

To prepare audio, video, or other media so it is ready to play from a specific point.

cut on
C1

A regional American expression meaning to turn on or activate a device or light.

cut out
B1

To remove something by cutting; to stop doing something; for an engine or machine to stop working suddenly; or to be naturally suited for so

cycle off
B2

To (cause a device or system to) automatically turn off as part of a repeated operational cycle.

date out
B2

To become outdated, obsolete, or expired due to the passage of time.

date up
B2

To update something — especially a record, document, or system — to make it current or reflect the latest information.

dial back
B2

To reduce the intensity, extent, or level of something; to moderate.

dial down
B2

To reduce the intensity, volume, or strength of something.

dial in
B2

To connect to a meeting or service by telephone, or to fine-tune something to the correct setting.

dial into
B2

To connect to a specific meeting, network, or service by dialling a telephone number.

dial out
B2

To make a phone call from a telephone system to an external number, or to remove noise/interference from a signal.

dial up
B2

To increase the intensity, level, or degree of something, or (historically) to call someone by telephone.

die on
B2

To stop working or functioning, leaving someone in a difficult situation; or to die while in the company of someone.

dim out
B2

To reduce the brightness of lights, especially as a wartime or safety measure; or to become gradually darker.

drill down
B2

To examine data or information in greater and greater detail by moving through layers, or to focus deeply on a specific issue.

drill up
C1

To move from detailed, granular data to a higher-level summary or aggregated view in data analysis.

dub out
C1

To remove or erase a section of audio from a recording, or to transfer audio from one format to another.

dub up
C1

In British prison slang, to lock a cell door; also used in audio contexts to mean mixing or dubbing a recording.

dummy out
C1

In computing or programming, to replace a real function or component with a dummy (placeholder) version; rarely, to back out of something.

edit in
B2

To add something into a piece of writing, film, audio, or other content during the editing process.

edit out
B1

To remove something from a piece of writing, film, broadcast, or other content during editing.

enlarge up
C1

A non-standard or redundant phrase sometimes used to mean making something bigger, particularly an image.

error out
B2

When a computer program or system stops running and displays an error message because it has encountered a problem it cannot handle.

fade in
B2

To gradually increase in visibility, brightness, or volume from nothing, used especially in film, television, and audio production.

fade out
B1

To gradually decrease in strength, visibility, or volume until disappearing, or to bring something to an end gradually.

fail over
C1

In computing and networking, to automatically switch to a backup system, server, or process when the primary one fails.

fart out
C1

To fail, end, or stop functioning in a feeble or undignified way. (Vulgar informal)

feed back
B1

To return information, results, or reactions to the original source, or to cause a signal to loop back into a system.

feed into
B2

To provide input or material to a larger system, process, or organisation, or to influence and contribute to something.

feed through
B2

For something to pass through a system and produce a noticeable effect at the other end, or to physically thread something through a device.

fiddle around
B1

To waste time or handle something repeatedly in a small, purposeless way; to tinker without achieving much.

fiddle with
B1

To touch, move, or adjust something repeatedly in a small, often nervous or purposeless way.

figure out
B1

To understand or solve something through thinking and reasoning.

filter out
B2

To remove unwanted elements, noise, or impurities from a set or stream, or to exclude certain people or things from consideration.

fire off
B2

To send something quickly and often forcefully, such as a letter or email, or to shoot a weapon or launch something rapidly.

fire up
B2

To start an engine, device, or fire with energy; or to fill someone with enthusiasm, anger, or excitement.

fish down
C1

To guide or push something downward through a narrow or concealed space.

flash up
B1

To appear suddenly and briefly, usually on a screen or in the mind.

flick off
B1

To turn off a switch, light, or device with a quick, light movement; also to remove something with a flicking motion.

flick over
B1

To quickly change to another television channel or to turn something over with a light motion.

flick through
A2

To turn the pages of a book or magazine quickly without reading carefully, or to change through TV channels rapidly.

flip off
B1

To turn off a switch with a flipping motion; or (informal, rude) to make an obscene hand gesture at someone.

flip through
A2

To look through a book, magazine, or set of images quickly by turning pages or scrolling rapidly.

freeze up
B1

To suddenly become unable to move, speak, or function — either from cold, fear, or a technical malfunction.

fritz out
B2

For a machine or device to malfunction, behave erratically, or stop working.

fritz up
C1

An informal, less common variant of 'fritz out': for something to malfunction or go wrong.

futz around
B2

American informal expression meaning to waste time, tinker aimlessly, or engage in unproductive activity.

futz with
B2

American informal expression meaning to tinker with, adjust, or play around with something, usually without achieving much.

fuzz out
C1

To become blurry, indistinct, or unclear, especially in terms of an image, sound, or mental state.

geek out
B1

To enthusiastically and unashamedly indulge in a deep interest in a technical or niche topic.

get onto
B1

To climb or move onto a surface or vehicle, to access a system or list, or to begin addressing a topic or person.

give out
B1

To distribute something to a group of people, to stop working or functioning, or to come to an end.

glitch out
B2

For a device, program, or system to malfunction erratically or behave in an unexpected, unpredictable way.

gonk out
C1

A dialectal or very informal British variant of 'conk out', meaning to fall asleep suddenly or (of a machine) to stop working.

google up
B2

To search for and retrieve information using Google or another internet search engine.

grain up
C1

To add a grainy texture to a photograph or digital image; or for grain crops to develop mature seeds.

gray out
C1

To experience a partial loss of vision or consciousness; or in digital design, to make an interface element appear dim and inactive.

grey out
B2

To become dim, dull, or semi-transparent — used of UI elements being disabled, vision becoming impaired, or something losing vibrancy.

grip off
C1

To remove something by gripping it firmly and pulling it away; used in niche technical or regional contexts.

gum up
B2

To cause a mechanism, plan, or process to stop working properly by clogging it or making it inefficient.

gummy up
C1

To make something sticky, clogged, or inefficient with a gummy substance — a variant of 'gum up'.

gunk up
C1

To make something dirty, sticky, or blocked with a messy substance.

hack about
B2

To cut or alter something in a rough, careless, or clumsy way; also to interfere with something carelessly.

hack around
B2

To spend time tinkering or experimenting, especially with computers or technology; also to pass time aimlessly.

hook in
B2

To attract and engage someone's interest or involvement, or to connect something using a hook

hook it up
B1

To connect a device or system, or informally to provide someone with something they need or want

hook off
C1

To remove or detach something from a hook or similar fastening

hook up
B1

To connect devices or systems; to meet and begin a relationship or casual encounter; or to provide someone with what they need

hop up
B1

To climb quickly onto a surface; or to stimulate or modify something for greater performance.

ice up
B1

For a surface, machine, or mechanism to become blocked or coated with ice, often causing problems.

ink up
C1

To apply or load ink onto a surface, printing press, stamp, or similar device in preparation for use.

interact with
B1

To communicate with, act upon, or have an effect on someone or something else.

iris in
C1

To close a circular camera or film aperture inward, or to create that visual effect.

iris out
C1

To end a shot by closing the visible image into a shrinking circle.

jack in
C1

To connect something to a system, or in British slang, to stop doing something.

jack into
C1

To connect to a device, system, or network, often by cable or direct access.

jacket up
C1

To cover or fit something with an outer jacket or protective layer.

jam up
B2

To block, crowd, or cause something to get stuck and stop moving smoothly.

juice up
B2

To add power, energy, or excitement to something; to charge a device.

jump onto
A2

To leap and land on top of something, or to suddenly start engaging with an idea or trend.

key down
C1

To press and hold a key, or to lower the pitch/intensity of something.

key in
B1

To type data or information into a computer, phone, or other device.

key into
B2

To connect with, tap into, or align oneself with something such as a trend, feeling, or system.

key off
C1

To take a cue or signal from something in order to time or coordinate an action; also, to turn off by key.

key out
C1

To identify or classify something using a key or system; in video/photo editing, to remove a specific colour or background.

kick in
B1

To start having an effect; to contribute money or effort; or to break something in by kicking.

kick on
B2

To continue progressing or to advance to a higher level after an initial success; also, for a machine or system to switch on automatically.

kludge out
C1

To solve a technical problem with a clumsy, inelegant workaround rather than a proper fix.

klunk out
C1

To stop working suddenly, typically said of a machine or engine.

konk out
B1

To fall asleep suddenly from exhaustion, or (of a machine or engine) to stop working unexpectedly.

leak out
B1

For a liquid to escape through a hole or crack, or for secret information to become known without authorisation.

leave on
A2

To allow a device, light, or appliance to remain in its active or switched-on state.

life off
A2

This entry appears to be a misspelling or typographical error for 'lift off'. 'Life off' is not a recognized English phrasal verb.

lift off
B1

For a rocket, spacecraft, or helicopter to leave the ground and rise into the air; also for something to be removed from a surface.

line in
B2

A technical audio/electronics term referring to the input socket used to receive an external audio signal directly into a device.

line out
B2

To arrange in a line; a specific restart method in rugby; or an audio output signal connection.

link in
B2

To connect or integrate something into a larger system, network, or plan.

link out
B2

To provide a hyperlink that directs users to an external website or resource outside the current page.

link up
B1

To connect or join together, whether physically, technologically, or in partnership.

listen in
B1

To listen to a broadcast, conversation, or communication, either with permission or secretly.

lock in
B1

To secure a rate, agreement, or person in a fixed position, removing the possibility of change, or to confine someone inside a locked space.

lock on
B2

To fix a tracking system, gaze, or attention precisely and firmly on a target.

lock out
B1

To prevent someone from entering a building or system by locking the door or access point, or (in labour relations) to prevent workers from

log in
A2

To enter your username and password to access a computer system, website, or app.

log into
A2

To access a specific computer system, account, or website by entering your credentials.

log off
A2

To end a session on a computer system or website by officially signing out.

log on
A2

To connect to and start using a computer system, network, or website.

log onto
A2

To access a specific computer system, network, or website by entering your credentials.

log out
A2

To end your session on a website, app, or computer system by officially signing out.

look up
A2

To search for information in a reference source; to raise your eyes; or (of a situation) to improve.

loop in
B2

To include someone in a conversation, email thread, or flow of information.

map onto
B2

To establish a direct or systematic correspondence between one concept, structure, or set of features and another.

melt down
B1

To heat a solid material until it becomes liquid; or to experience a severe emotional or systemic collapse.

melt out
C1

To melt and come free or be extracted from a surrounding material; used mainly in geology and technical contexts.

meme on
C1

To repeatedly mock, tease, or target someone by creating or sharing memes about them on the internet.

mic up
B2

To attach or fit a microphone to a person or piece of equipment.

mike off
B2

To remove or deactivate a microphone from a person or to cut a microphone's feed.

mike up
B2

To fit a microphone to a person or piece of equipment before a recording or broadcast.

mix down
B2

To combine multiple audio tracks into a single, final stereo or mono recording.

mock up
B2

To make a rough model, prototype, or sample of something for testing or demonstration.

modern up
B2

To make something more contemporary or up-to-date in style, technology, or approach.

mouse around
B2

To move the cursor around a screen or interface to explore its contents or find something.

mouse over
B1

To move the computer cursor so that it rests over a particular element on a screen, often triggering a tooltip, highlight, or preview.

narrow up
C1

To become thinner or more restricted toward the top or upper end; a rare, mostly technical or descriptive term.

neck down
C1

Technical term for a shape or component that narrows at a specific point, or in manufacturing, to reduce the diameter of a material.

nerd out
B2

To enthusiastically immerse yourself in a subject you are passionate and knowledgeable about, especially a niche or intellectual topic.

new up
C1

Programming slang for creating a new instance of a class using the 'new' keyword.

nick up
C1

To make multiple small cuts, notches, or nicks in a surface or edge.

opt in
B1

To actively choose to participate in something, especially a system, programme, or service.

opt out
B1

To choose not to participate in something, or to withdraw from a system or arrangement you were part of.

optimize out
C1

In programming, to have a compiler or optimiser automatically remove code that is unnecessary or has no effect on the output.

orphan off
C1

To separate something (a project, product, or system) from its parent organisation or support structure, leaving it without adequate resourc

pack up
A2

To put all your things into bags or boxes ready to leave, or (of a machine) to stop working.

page down
A2

To move the view on a screen downward by one full page or screen length.

page in
C1

To summon someone using a pager or public address system, or (computing) to load data into active memory from storage.

page out
C1

(Computing) To move data from active memory to secondary storage to free up RAM.

page up
A2

To move the view on a screen upward by one full page or screen length.

part out
B2

To dismantle a vehicle or machine and sell or distribute its individual components separately.

partial out
C1

To statistically remove the influence of one or more variables from a dataset in order to examine the relationship between the remaining var

party up
B2

In online gaming, to join or form a group of players who will play together as a team.

paste up
C1

To arrange and attach text and images on a board or page to create a layout for printing, or to stick a notice or poster onto a surface.

phase in
B2

To introduce or implement something new gradually, in stages, over a period of time.

phase out
B1

To gradually stop using, producing, or providing something until it is completely eliminated.

plate away
C1

In electroplating, to deposit a layer of metal onto a surface through an electrochemical process.

plate out
C1

In chemistry or electroplating, to deposit metal onto a surface, sometimes as an unwanted byproduct.

play back
A2

To play a recorded sound or video in order to hear or watch it again.

play up
B1

To exaggerate or emphasize something, to misbehave, or (of a machine) to stop working properly.

plug in
A2

To connect an electrical device to a power supply or to another device by inserting a plug

plug into
B1

To connect something to a power source or device, or to access and become part of a larger system or network

plug out
B1

To remove an electrical plug from a socket; to disconnect a device from its power supply

poop out
B2

To become too tired to continue, or for a machine or device to stop working.

pop on
A2

To quickly put on clothing or to switch on a device.

pop up
B1

To appear suddenly, unexpectedly, or from nowhere.

power down
B1

To turn off an electrical device or system in a controlled, safe manner.

power off
A2

To switch off an electronic device by cutting its power supply.

power on
A2

To turn on an electronic device by supplying it with power.

power up
B1

To supply power to a device so it becomes operational, or to increase one's own energy and readiness.

print out
A2

to produce a paper copy from a computer or printer

print up
B2

to print a quantity of copies, especially for practical use

prove out
C1

to show by testing or experience that something works or is true

pull up
B1

To stop a vehicle, to raise or move something upward, to reprimand someone, or to look up information.

pump out
B1

To produce or emit something in large quantities, or to remove liquid using a pump.

punch in
B1

To record the start of one's workday using a time clock, or to enter data by pressing keys.

put in
B1

To install equipment or a system; to invest time or effort; to make a formal request; or to say something during a conversation.

put on
A2

To place clothing or an accessory on your body; to activate a device; to perform or stage something; to pretend or feign.

quad out
C1

In typography and printing, to fill remaining space on a line with blank quad characters to align or complete the line.

quoin up
C1

In typography and traditional printing, to use quoins (wedge-shaped locking devices) to secure type firmly within a printing chase.

radio ahead
C1

To send a message by radio to someone or somewhere in advance, typically to alert them or prepare them for something.

ramp up
B2

To increase something steadily and significantly, often in response to demand or urgency.

read in
B2

To formally brief someone with classified or privileged information; or in computing, to load data into a system.

read off
B1

To read a value, measurement, or piece of data directly from a gauge, screen, or list.

reel out
C1

to unwind and let something out, or to speak or produce something in a long flowing way

reel up
C1

to wind something onto a reel or spool

refiddle with
C1

to fiddle with something again; to make further small adjustments

remote in
C1

to connect to a system or place remotely, in rare technical or ad hoc use

render off
C1

to drive off or separate a substance by heating, in rare technical use

rig up
B2

To construct or assemble something quickly or with improvised materials.

ring through
B2

A sound is heard throughout a space, or a phone call connects and is put through to the right person.

roll out
B1

To introduce or launch something new in a planned, gradual way, or to flatten something by rolling.

run off
B1

To leave a place quickly and unexpectedly, to print copies of something, or for a liquid to flow away

run on
B1

To continue for longer than expected, to talk for too long, or to operate using a particular fuel or power source

save as
A2

A computing command to save a file under a new name, location, or format.

save down
B1

Informal computing term for saving a file to a device, especially from the internet or cloud storage.

save over
B1

To save a new version of a file in place of an existing one, replacing it permanently.

scale in
C1

To gradually reduce the number of units, resources, or positions in a controlled, stepwise manner.

scale out
C1

To increase capacity or reach by adding more parallel units or instances rather than making existing ones larger.

scale up
B2

To increase the size, scope, or capacity of something significantly.

science up
C1

To apply scientific thinking, research, or methodology to something in order to improve or validate it.

screw with
B2

To interfere with, tamper with, or deliberately confuse or harm someone or something.

search up
A2

To look up information using a search engine or device

seize out
C1

A rare variant of 'seize up', referring to a mechanism or engine stopping suddenly due to friction or failure.

seize up
B2

Of a machine, engine, or body part: to stop moving suddenly because parts have locked together; also, of a person, to freeze due to pain or

select out
C1

To identify and remove or exclude specific items, individuals, or data from a larger group based on defined criteria.

send around
A2

To distribute or circulate something — such as a message, document, or person — to multiple recipients or to a different location.

send out
B1

To distribute something to multiple people, or to emit a signal or signal.

set up
A2

To prepare, arrange, or establish something so that it is ready to use or function.

shake down
B2

To extort money from someone through threats, or to test new equipment thoroughly before use, or to search someone or a place roughly.

short down
C1

A non-standard or regional variant of 'short out', meaning to fail due to an electrical short circuit

short out
B1

To fail suddenly due to an electrical short circuit

shove on
B1

To put on clothing, a device, or media quickly or carelessly; or to push something onto a surface

shut down
A2

To stop operating permanently or temporarily — used for machines, businesses, and systems; also to silence or stop a person.

shut off
A2

To stop the flow or supply of something by closing a valve or switch; to isolate oneself or something from outside contact.

sift out
B2

To separate or identify specific elements from a larger quantity through careful examination or filtering.

sift through
B2

To examine a large amount of material carefully in order to find something useful or important.

sign in
A2

To record your arrival or gain access by writing your name or entering login credentials.

sign into
A2

To enter credentials in order to gain access to a specific account, system, or place.

sign onto
B1

To formally agree to join or participate in a specific project, agreement, or system.

sign out
A2

To record your departure by signing a register, or to log out of a digital system.

slip under
B2

To pass beneath something physically or to avoid notice, often in the phrase 'slip under the radar'

sludge out
C1

To remove or expel thick, muddy waste or sediment from a container or system

snap in
B1

To fit or fasten something into place with a snapping or clicking sound.

snarl up
B2

To become or cause something to become hopelessly tangled, blocked, or chaotically disrupted.

soup up
B2

To modify a vehicle, machine, or piece of equipment to increase its power or performance, often beyond factory specifications.

spec out
C1

to define or list the detailed specifications of something, especially technical equipment or a project

spec up
C1

to improve something by giving it better technical specifications or features

spin down
C1

to slow and stop rotating, or to reduce activity gradually in a technical system

spin off
B2

to produce a new separate product, company, idea, or series from an existing one

spin out
C1

to spin out of control, make something last longer, or produce something from a larger whole

spin up
C1

to increase rotational speed, or quickly create and activate technical resources

splash down
B2

Of a spacecraft or aircraft, to land in the ocean or another body of water

spool down
C1

Of a motor, engine, or spinning mechanism, to decelerate and come to a stop

spool out
B2

To unwind or extend gradually from a spool, or (figuratively) for a story or situation to unfold

spool up
C1

Of an engine, turbine, or system, to accelerate to operating speed; or to wind cable or thread onto a spool

sputter out
B2

To stop functioning or come to an end in an irregular, struggling way

start up
B1

To begin operating, or to cause something to begin operating; also to establish a new business

stat out
C1

To stabilize and discharge a patient from a medical monitoring status, or to remove a statistical outlier from data

stop down
C1

In photography, to reduce the aperture of a camera lens to a smaller opening, increasing depth of field.

strike through
B2

To draw a line horizontally through text to indicate it is deleted, incorrect, or no longer valid.

strip down
B2

To dismantle a machine to its basic parts, or to remove most or all of one's clothing.

strip out
B2

To remove something completely from a structure, system, or set of data, often by taking out all instances or components.

sub in
B1

To put a substitute player, ingredient, or element into a game, recipe, or system in place of another.

sub out
B1

To remove a player, ingredient, or component and replace them with a substitute.

suck off
C1

To remove something from a surface using suction; also a vulgar slang term for oral sex.

suck out
B1

To remove liquid, air, or another substance from a place by using suction.

supe up
B2

An alternative spelling of 'soup up': to modify a vehicle, machine, or system to make it more powerful or perform better than its original s

swap in
B1

To introduce or substitute one person, component, or item in place of another that has been or will be removed.

swap out
B1

To remove something that is currently in use and replace it with something else.

switch off
A2

To stop a device, light, or machine from operating by pressing or flipping a switch, or to stop paying attention and mentally disengage.

switch on
A2

To activate a device, light, or machine by using a switch, or to activate a quality, charm, or skill when needed.

switch out
B1

To replace one thing with another, or to substitute one person or item for a different one.

sync up
B1

To coordinate, align, or match timing, data, or information between two or more people or systems

tab out
B2

To switch away from a currently active application, game, or browser tab to another window

tag up
B2

In baseball, to return to and touch your base before running after a fly ball is caught; also, to label or mark something with tags

take apart
B1

To disassemble something into its component parts; also, to thoroughly criticize or defeat someone

take over
B1

To assume control of something, replace someone in a role, or gradually dominate something.

tap in
B1

To enter data by lightly pressing a touchscreen or keypad, or to score easily by tapping a ball into a goal.

tap into
B2

To access or make use of a source of something that was previously untapped or underused.

tap off
B2

To draw off a portion of liquid or gas from a source, or to check out of a public transport system using a card.

tap on
A2

To touch a surface lightly with a finger or object, often to attract attention or to check in to a transit system.

tap out
B2

To signal surrender or exhaustion in combat or informal use, to exhaust a supply, or to type something out by tapping.

tape out
C1

To mark the outline or dimensions of something using tape, or (technical) to complete and send a semiconductor chip design for manufacturing

tape over
B1

To cover or fasten something with tape, or to record new content over an existing recording.

tech up
C1

To equip something or someone with more or better technology.

test out
B1

To try something in order to assess whether it works, is suitable, or is effective.

tick down
B1

For a timer, clock, or counter to decrease steadily toward zero.

tick over
B2

To operate or function at a low but steady level; for an engine to run slowly at idle.

tie in
B2

To be connected or coordinated with something else; to relate or correspond.

tie into
B2

To connect to or integrate with a larger system; or (informally) to attack or criticize someone sharply.

tighten up
B2

To make something physically tighter, or to make rules, security, or performance stricter and more effective.

time out
B1

To pause activity for a rest or penalty, or for a system to stop due to exceeding its time limit.

time window out
C1

For a defined period of opportunity or availability to expire without action being taken.

tinker up
C1

To assemble or improvise something by making small adjustments and repairs, usually in an informal or experimental way.

torque up
C1

To increase the rotational force applied to a mechanical fastener or system, or informally to increase intensity.

touch in
B1

To use a contactless card or device to register entry on public transport.

touch out
B1

To use a contactless card or device to register your exit from public transport.

true up
C1

To make something exactly correct, level, or aligned, especially in accounting or technical contexts.

turn down
A2

To reduce the level of something (volume, heat, etc.); to refuse or reject an offer, request, or person.

turn off
A2

To stop a device or supply by using a switch or tap; to cause someone to lose interest or attraction; to leave a road by turning.

turn on
A2

To start a device by operating its switch; to suddenly attack or become hostile; to excite or arouse interest or desire.

turn out
A2

To result in a particular way; to attend or gather at an event; to produce or manufacture something; to switch off a light.

type out
B1

To type something in full, especially to transcribe or reproduce text by typing every word or character.

type up
A2

To produce a clean, complete typed version of something, usually from handwritten notes or rough information.

vacuum up
B1

To remove something by vacuuming, or metaphorically to absorb or collect something eagerly and completely.

vote up
B2

To endorse or positively rate something, especially online content, causing it to rise in ranking.

warm up
A2

To gradually become warmer, to prepare the body for exercise, to prepare a machine or engine, or to make someone feel more comfortable and r

wet out
C1

To cause a material, especially a fabric or composite fiber, to fully absorb a liquid so that no dry spots remain.

wind back
B1

To move a tape, clock, or similar mechanism backwards; also figuratively, to return to an earlier time or state.

wink out
C1

For a light, flame, or other small source to disappear suddenly or go out abruptly.

wire in
C1

To connect an electrical component directly and permanently into a circuit or electrical system.

wonk out
C1

To become deeply absorbed in technical, policy, or data-heavy details, especially in politics or academia.

write over
B2

To replace existing data or text by writing new content on top of it, destroying the original.

zap over
B1

To send something quickly to someone, usually electronically; or to switch quickly to a different TV channel.

zap up
B1

To heat food quickly in a microwave; or to make something more exciting, powerful, or energetic.

zombie out
C1

To become mentally blank and unresponsive, moving or acting like a zombie — typically from exhaustion, boredom, or screen overexposure

zoom in
A2

To use a camera, app, or lens to make the subject of an image appear larger and closer

zoom in on
B1

To use a camera or lens to magnify a specific subject, or to examine or focus closely on a particular detail or topic

zoom out
A2

To reduce magnification on a camera, screen, or map to show a wider area, or figuratively to take a broader view of something