- step up
- verb1. increase in extent or intensity (Freq. 3)-
The Allies escalated the bombing
• Ant: ↑de-escalate (for: ↑escalate)• Derivationally related forms: ↑step-up, ↑intensity (for: ↑intensify), ↑intensification (for: ↑intensify), ↑escalation (for: ↑escalate)• Hypernyms: ↑increase• Hyponyms: ↑redouble• Verb Frames:-Somebody ——s
-Somebody ——s something
-Something ——s something
2. speed up (Freq. 2)-let's rev up production
• Syn: ↑rev up• Hypernyms: ↑increase• Verb Frames:-Somebody ——s something
3. make oneself visible; take action-Young people should step to the fore and help their peers
• Syn: ↑come to the fore, ↑step forward, ↑come forward, ↑step to the fore, ↑come out• Verb Frames:-Something ——s
-Somebody ——s
* * *
step up [phrasal verb]1 : to increase in amount or speedProduction has stepped up in recent months.
2 a : to say openly or publicly that you are the person who should get something or who can do something : to come forwardNo one yet has stepped up to claim responsibility.
2 b : to do better : to succeed in providing what is needed by making a greater effort, improving your performance, etc.The team's best player is injured, so someone else needs to step up.
The company has stepped up production.
The other players need to step up their performance.
— see also ↑step-up• • •Main Entry: ↑step* * *
ˌstep ˈup derivedto come forward•
She stepped up to receive her prize.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.