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fire up

B2 informal separable both
In simple words

To start a machine or to make someone feel very excited or angry.

Literal meaning: To light a fire or ignite an engine.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To start or switch on a machine, engine, device, or fire.

"Let me fire up the barbecue — the guests will be here soon."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To fill someone with enthusiasm, passion, or excitement; to motivate strongly.

"The coach's speech really fired the players up before the championship game."

""And that fired me up.""

— Michelle Obama, Becoming, 2018
Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To make someone angry or indignant.

"The politician's comments fired up the audience, who began to shout in protest."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The literal sense (starting a grill, computer, or engine) is extremely common, especially in informal American English. The figurative sense (exciting or angering someone) is also widespread. Both senses convey a sudden surge of energy. Can be used reflexively: 'she fired herself up before the race'.

Commonly used with

engine grill laptop crowd team enthusiasm

Forms

Base
fire up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fires up
he/she/it
Past simple
fired up
yesterday
Past participle
fired up
have + pp
-ing form
firing up
continuous

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