beef

beef up

verb

Definition of BEEF

1

to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force <beefed up the walls with iron bars>

Synonyms beef (up), fortify, harden, toughen

Related Words anneal, temper; firm (up), tone (up); energize, invigorate, vitalize; restrengthen

Near Antonyms cripple, incapacitate, paralyze; damage, harm, hurt, impair, injure; break down, wear out; sap, undercut, undermine

Antonyms debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, weaken

2

to make markedly greater in measure or degree <will beef up security for the next few days while the president is in town>

Synonyms accentuate, amp (up), amplify, beef (up), boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen

Related Words broaden, enlarge, expand, extend, lengthen; accelerate, hasten, quicken; emphasize, point (up), sharpen, stress; augment, enforce, reinforce (also reenforce), restrengthen, supplement; maximize; enliven, jazz (up); aggravate, exacerbate

Near Antonyms decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), reduce, subdue, tone (down), weaken; dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane; alleviate, ease, lighten

Antonyms abate, moderate