amp up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “amp up” mean?
To increase the intensity, volume, or level of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To increase the intensity, volume, or level of something.
To energize, make more exciting, or raise the stakes of a situation or activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English, but fully understood in British English. In UK, 'turn up' or 'crank up' might be equally or more frequent for literal volume.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of modern, dynamic action. Slightly more 'edgy' or 'marketing' feel in UK.
Frequency
High frequency in US media, business, and casual speech. Moderate frequency in UK, primarily in youth culture, media, and business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “amp up” in a Sentence
[Subject] amps up [Object] (e.g., He amped up the music.)[Subject] amps [Object] up (e.g., We need to amp the team up before the game.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amp up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We should amp up the sound for the final chorus.
- The manager amped up the pressure on the sales team.
American English
- He amped up the crowd before the rally.
- Let's amp up our fundraising efforts this quarter.
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable)
American English
- (Not applicable)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as an adjective for 'amp up'. Use 'amped-up' as a compound adjective) The amped-up atmosphere was electric.
American English
- (Not standard as an adjective for 'amp up'. Use 'amped-up') She gave an amped-up performance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in marketing and management: 'We need to amp up our social media presence.'
Academic
Rare; considered too informal for formal writing.
Everyday
Common in conversations about music, sports, events, or effort: 'Let's amp up the party!'
Technical
In audio engineering, used literally. In fitness, used metaphorically for workout intensity.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amp up”
- Using 'amp up' in formal writing.
- Incorrect word order: 'amp it' instead of 'amp it up'.
- Confusing with 'amped' (excited) as an adjective without 'up'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and colloquial. Avoid it in formal writing and academic papers.
Yes, it's a phrasal verb that can be separable. E.g., 'amp the music up' or 'amp up the music'.
'Amp up' implies a more energetic, forceful, or noticeable increase, often with a sense of excitement or pressure. 'Increase' is neutral and formal.
No, 'amped' is an adjective meaning very excited or full of energy. E.g., 'The team was amped before the game.' It is related but not the same as the verb phrase 'amp up'.
To increase the intensity, volume, or level of something.
Amp up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæmp ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæmp ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Amp it up a notch”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a guitarist turning an AMPLIFIER UP to make the music louder and more intense.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENSITY IS VOLUME (turning up a dial).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'amp up' LEAST appropriate?