To make something stronger, larger, or more substantial.
To make something bigger, stronger, or better.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To strengthen or increase the size, power, or effectiveness of something.
"The government announced plans to beef up border security following the incidents."
We need to beef up our intelligence capabilities.
— Widely used in US political reporting; frequent phrasing in congressional debates on defense spending.
To make the body more muscular through exercise and diet.
"He spent the summer beefing up for the football season."
To make something as substantial and strong as beef.
To make something bigger, stronger, or better.
Very common in journalism and everyday English. Can be applied to physical things (security, forces) and abstract things (a report, an argument, a CV). Widely used in American and British English.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "beef up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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