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pump up

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

To fill something with air, make something louder, or make someone feel excited and ready.

Literal meaning: To use a pump to fill something with air — extended to filling people with energy or enthusiasm.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To fill something with air using a pump.

"You'll need to pump up your front tyre — it looks a bit flat."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To increase the volume or intensity of music or sound.

"He pumped up the volume as his favourite song came on the radio."

"Pump Up the Volume"

— M|A|R|R|S, song title, 1987
Grammar: separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To motivate and energise someone, especially before a challenge or competition.

"The coach gave an inspiring speech to pump the team up before the final."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in sports contexts for motivating athletes. Also used for inflating tyres or balls and for increasing the volume of music. 'Pumped up' (adjective) means feeling highly motivated or energised.

Commonly used with

tyre volume crowd music team adrenaline balloon

Forms

Base
pump up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pumps up
he/she/it
Past simple
pumped up
yesterday
Past participle
pumped up
have + pp
-ing form
pumping up
continuous

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