keyed up

adjective

informal

: in a state of nervous excitement

His hands were very sure. He was confident he could do the work, yet inside he was keyed up and jumpy.

—Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain, 1943

A friend called me, too keyed up to sleep.

—Mike Nichols, Life and Other Ways, 1988

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for keyed up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup