step-up
or step·up
[ step-uhp ]
/ ˈstɛpˌʌp /
adjective
effecting an increase.
Electricity.
serving to increase voltage: a step-up transformer.
(of a lease) allowing for gradual rent increases to the highest amount permissible.
noun
an increase or rise in the rate or quantity of something.
Origin of step-up
First recorded in 1890–95; adj., noun use of verb phrase
step up
Words nearby step-up
step-down,
step-in,
step-off,
step-on,
step-parent,
step-up,
stepanakert,
stepbrother,
stepchair,
stepchild,
stepdame
Definition for step up (2 of 2)
Origin of step
before 900; (v.) Middle English
steppen, Old English
steppan; cognate with Old High German
stepfen; akin to
stamp; (noun) Middle English; Old English
stepe
OTHER WORDS FROM step
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH step
step steppeBritish Dictionary definitions for step up (1 of 4)
step up
verb (adverb) informal
(tr)
to increase or raise by stages; accelerate
(intr)
to make progress or effect an advancement; be promoted
step up to the plate US
- baseball to move into batting position
- to come forward and take responsibility for something
adjective step-up (prenominal)
(of a transformer) increasing a low voltage applied to the primary winding to a higher voltage on the secondary winding
Compare step down (def. 4)
informal
involving a rise by stages
noun step-up
informal
an increment in quantity, size, etc
British Dictionary definitions for step up (2 of 4)
step
/ (stɛp) /
noun
verb steps, stepping or stepped
Derived forms of step
steplike, adjectiveWord Origin for step
Old English
stepe, stæpe; related to Old Frisian
stap, stepe, Old High German
stapfo (German
Stapfe footprint), Old Norse
stapi high rock
British Dictionary definitions for step up (3 of 4)
Step
/ (stɛp) /
noun
- a set of aerobic exercises designed to improve the cardiovascular system, which consists of stepping on and off a special box of adjustable height
- (as modifier)Step aerobics
British Dictionary definitions for step up (4 of 4)
STEP
/ (stɛp) /
n acronym for
Special Temporary Employment Programme
Idioms and Phrases with step up (1 of 2)
step up
Increase, especially in stages, as in We've got to step up production. [Early 1900s] Also see step down, def. 2.
Come forward, as in Step up to the podium, folks, and I'll show you how it works. [Mid-1600s]
Idioms and Phrases with step up (2 of 2)
step