key up
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To make someone very nervous and excited, like before a big game or performance.
Literal meaning: To turn a key upward, as if winding up a mechanical device.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To make someone feel very nervous, excited, and tense, often before an important event.
"The players were completely keyed up before the championship match."
Grammar: separable
2 C1 neutral
To raise the musical key or pitch of a song or instrument.
"The arranger keyed up the final chorus to create a more dramatic effect."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Usually used in passive constructions: 'be/get keyed up'. Common in sports, performance, and everyday emotional contexts. The musical sense (raising pitch) is less common. Implies a mix of excitement and nervous tension.
Commonly used with
performance game interview event competition nerves
Forms
Base
key up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keys up
he/she/it
Past simple
keyed up
yesterday
Past participle
keyed up
have + pp
-ing form
keying up
continuous
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Synonyms
psyched up wound up worked up on edge tense wired
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