step up

verb

stepped up; stepping up; steps up

transitive verb

1

: to increase, augment, or advance especially by one or more steps

The team really stepped up their performance.

The enemy stepped up their attacks.

He also plans to step up efforts to headhunt for the best and brightest …

—Jerry Garrett

Factory production was stepped up in an effort to meet helicopter shortfalls.

—Shelby L. Stanton

2

: to increase (a voltage) by means of a transformer

… the use of transformers to step up the voltage to very high levels …

—Thomas P. Hughes

intransitive verb

1

a

: to make the effort required to provide information, make a claim, volunteer, etc.

She stepped up to claim responsibility.

see also step up to the plate

b

: to succeed in meeting a challenge (as by increased effort or improved performance)

They just didn't have the guys to step up and make the big plays with the game on the line.

—Peter King

2

: to undergo an increase

Business is stepping up.

3

: to receive a promotion

She stepped up to the position of general manager.

Synonyms of step up

• intensify
• enhance
• deepen
• heighten
• strengthen
• consolidate

Examples of step up in a Sentence

candidates stepping up their campaigns as election day draws near

stepped up the pace to catch up with the others

Recent Examples on the Web

Russia has targeted Ukraine‘s power supplies and infrastructure while Ukraine has stepped up attacks on oil facilities inside Russia this year, sometimes resulting in casualties. —Reuters, NBC news, 2 June 2026

As courts weigh transgender military bans and states restrict gender-affirming care, some corporations retreat from sponsorship while local businesses step up to keep hometown Pride celebrations funded and visible. —Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026

Breakker stepped up as a tag team champion in Paul’s place but the turmoil in the stable appeared to affect the outcome of the match. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026

If no streamer steps up, the filmmakers are going to work to get the film on video-on-demand for an affordable price. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Rhymes for step up

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

Kids Definition

step up

verb

1

: to increase the voltage of (a current) using a transformer

2

: to increase or advance

step up production

3

a

: to come forward

stepped up to accept responsibility

b

: to succeed in meeting a challenge (as by greater effort or better performance)

step-up

ˈstep-ˌəp

adjective