gun up
C1 informal separable both
In simple words
To get guns and be ready to fight, or to make an engine go faster.
Literal meaning: To take up or supply guns; to rev up an engine.
Meanings
1 C1 informal
To arm oneself or a group with firearms in preparation for conflict.
"The local militia gunned up before heading into the disputed territory."
Grammar: separable
2 C1 informal
To increase the throttle or speed of an engine rapidly.
"He gunned up the motorcycle and sped away from the traffic lights."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The weapons sense is chiefly North American informal and appears in journalistic and colloquial contexts. The engine sense is used by drivers or mechanics. Both senses are relatively uncommon.
Commonly used with
militia troops engine throttle crew gang
Forms
Base
gun up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
guns up
he/she/it
Past simple
guned up
yesterday
Past participle
guned up
have + pp
-ing form
guning up
continuous
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