steam up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, everyday
Quick answer
What does “steam up” mean?
To become covered with condensation or mist, typically on a transparent surface like glass or windows, due to the difference in temperature between the inside and outside.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To become covered with condensation or mist, typically on a transparent surface like glass or windows, due to the difference in temperature between the inside and outside.
To become emotionally agitated, excited, or angry; to cause someone to become emotionally worked up. Also used figuratively for objects becoming obscured or unclear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. The literal meaning is universally understood. The figurative use ('to get steamed up') might be slightly more frequent in British informal speech.
Connotations
Neutral for the literal meaning. The figurative use can be slightly humorous or dismissive when describing someone's overreaction.
Frequency
Common in both varieties. The phrase 'steamed up' (adjective) is equally common.
Grammar
How to Use “steam up” in a Sentence
[Something] steams up.[Something] steams [something] up.[Someone] gets steamed up (about/over something).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “steam up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bathroom mirror always steams up when I have a shower.
- You'll need to demist the car windows after they've steamed up.
American English
- My glasses steam up every time I walk into the warm building from the cold.
- The cold soda can steamed up in the summer heat.
adjective
British English
- The steamed-up windows made it difficult to see the garden.
- He was in a steamed-up state after the argument.
American English
- I had to wipe the steamed-up windshield before I could drive.
- She was all steamed up about the change in plans.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in figurative use: 'The team got a bit steamed up over the new policy details.'
Academic
Very rare.
Everyday
Very common, especially related to weather, cars, bathrooms, and cooking.
Technical
Can appear in contexts discussing condensation, thermodynamics, or automotive safety.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “steam up”
- Using 'steam' without 'up' for this meaning (e.g., 'The window steams' is less idiomatic).
- Confusing 'steam up' with 'heat up' (which doesn't imply condensation).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily informal or neutral. The literal meaning is fine in everyday descriptions. The figurative meaning ('get steamed up') is informal.
Yes, but less commonly. E.g., 'The hot tea steamed up my glasses.' More often, it is used intransitively: 'My glasses steamed up.'
They are virtually synonyms for the literal meaning. 'Fog up' is perhaps slightly more common in American English, while both are used in British English.
It can be written as 'steamed up' or 'steamed-up' before a noun. Both forms are accepted.
To become covered with condensation or mist, typically on a transparent surface like glass or windows, due to the difference in temperature between the inside and outside.
Steam up: in British English it is pronounced /stiːm ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /stim ʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't get your glasses steamed up about it. (figurative, humorous)”
- “He was all steamed up before the meeting.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a hot cup of tea. The STEAM rises UP and makes your glasses wet and cloudy.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION IS HEATED FLUID / AGITATION IS STEAM PRESSURE (for figurative use).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'steam up' mean in this sentence: 'She got all steamed up about the parking ticket.'?