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

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 steppe

British 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
  1. baseball to move into batting position
  2. 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, adjective

Word 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

  1. a set of aerobic exercises designed to improve the cardiovascular system, which consists of stepping on and off a special box of adjustable height
  2. (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

1

Increase, especially in stages, as in We've got to step up production. [Early 1900s] Also see step down, def. 2.

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