1 B1 informal
To start or switch on a machine, engine, device, or fire.
"Let me fire up the barbecue — the guests will be here soon."
separable
fire up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To start an engine, device, or fire with energy; or to fill someone with enthusiasm, anger, or excitement.
In plain English
To start a machine or to make someone feel very excited or angry.
What does "fire up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To fill someone with enthusiasm, passion, or excitement; to motivate strongly.
"The coach's speech really fired the players up before the championship game."
“
"And that fired me up."
— Michelle Obama, Becoming, 2018
separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To make someone angry or indignant.
"The politician's comments fired up the audience, who began to shout in protest."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To light a fire or ignite an engine.
Actually means
To start a machine or to make someone feel very excited or angry.
Usage tip
The literal sense (starting a grill, computer, or engine) is extremely common, especially in informal American English. The figurative sense (exciting or angering someone) is also widespread. Both senses convey a sudden surge of energy. Can be used reflexively: 'she fired herself up before the race'.
Words that pair with "fire up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
engine grill laptop crowd team enthusiasm
How to conjugate "fire up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fire up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fires up
he/she/it
Past simple
fired up
yesterday
Past participle
fired up
have + pp
-ing form
firing up
continuous
Hear "fire up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fire 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.