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."
separable
key up
B2 informal separable transitive
To make someone nervously excited, tense, or highly stimulated; also to raise the musical key of something.
In plain English
To make someone very nervous and excited, like before a big game or performance.
What does "key up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To turn a key upward, as if winding up a mechanical device.
Actually means
To make someone very nervous and excited, like before a big game or performance.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "key up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
performance game interview event competition nerves
How to conjugate "key up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "key up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "key up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "key up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
on edge psyched up tense wired worked up wound up
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