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torque up

C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To tighten something more or to increase the power or force of something.

Literal meaning: To increase the torque (rotational force) applied to something.

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

(Mechanical) To increase the torque or tightening force applied to a bolt, nut, or mechanical component.

"The mechanic torqued up all the wheel bolts to the manufacturer's specified setting."

Grammar: separable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

(Figurative) To increase intensity, pressure, or effort.

"The coach tried to torque up the team's energy before the final quarter."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Primarily a technical/mechanical term used by engineers and mechanics to mean tightening bolts or fasteners to a specified level of rotational force. Informal figurative use (increasing pressure or intensity) is much rarer and largely confined to American English.

Commonly used with

bolt fastener nut engine pressure tension

Forms

Base
torque up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
torques up
he/she/it
Past simple
torqued up
yesterday
Past participle
torqued up
have + pp
-ing form
torquing up
continuous

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Synonyms

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