rev

[rev] /rɛv/
noun
1.
a revolution (in an engine or the like).
verb (used with object), revved, revving.
2.
to accelerate sharply the speed of (an engine or the like) (often followed by up).
verb (used without object), revved, revving.
3.
(of an engine) to accelerate; become revved (often followed by up).
Verb phrases
4.
rev up, to increase in strength or accelerate sharply:
The economy is beginning to rev up.
Origin
1900-05; short for revolution
British Dictionary definitions for rev up

rev

/rɛv/
noun
1.
revolution per minute: the engine was doing 5000 revs
verb revs, revving, revved
2.
(often foll by up) to increase the speed of revolution of (an engine)
Word Origin and History for rev up

rev

v.

1916, from earlier noun (1901), shortening of revolution, in reference to the internal combustion engine. Related: Revved; revving.

Slang definitions & phrases for rev up

rev

v,v phr
  1. To speed up a motor; increase the rpms (1916+)
  2. To stir up; stimulate; enliven; JAZZ something UP: seems to think he has to really rev his prose every now and again (1956+)

Related Abbreviations for rev up

Rev

Reverend
Idioms and Phrases with rev up

rev up

Increase the speed or rate of, enliven, stimulate, as in Bill revved up the motor, or They looked for ways to rev up the ad campaign. The verb rev is an abbreviation for revolution, alluding to the rate of rotation of an engine. The idiom dates from about 1920 and has been used figuratively since the mid-1900s.