1 B2 informal
To increase the volume, power, or intensity of a sound system or electronic device.
"The DJ amped up the music as more people arrived on the dance floor."
separable
amp up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To increase the intensity, energy, volume, or strength of something.
In plain English
Make something more powerful, exciting, or louder.
What does "amp up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To increase the energy, excitement, or intensity of a situation or activity.
"The coach's speech really amped up the team before the final."
“
We need to amp up the pressure on these guys.
— Barack Obama, campaign rally speech, 2012
separable
3 B2 idiomatic slang
To become or feel very excited or energized, often to an excessive degree.
"She was totally amped up after drinking three energy drinks before the race."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To increase the power of an amplifier.
Actually means
Make something more powerful, exciting, or louder.
Usage tip
Originally from audio engineering (increasing amplifier power), now very common in informal speech. Used frequently in sports, music, marketing, and everyday conversation. Becoming increasingly common in British English as well as American English.
Words that pair with "amp up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
volume energy security production pressure excitement
How to conjugate "amp up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
amp up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
amps up
he/she/it
Past simple
amped up
yesterday
Past participle
amped up
have + pp
-ing form
amping up
continuous
Hear "amp up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "amp up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.