Phrase guide

gear up

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To prepare for an activity.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive, reflexive

Examples

  • The hardware store is gearing up for spring in February with garden supplies and seeds.
  • We're gearing ourselves up for a busy week ahead.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To put on special clothing or equipment.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Get the children ready for school!
  • prepare for war
  • I was fixing to leave town after I paid the hotel bill

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: fix, prepare, set up, ready, set

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: change, alter, modify

Narrower terms: socialize, socialise, provide, cram, precondition, fix, mount, set up, lay out, set, winterize, winterise, summerize, summerise, prime, cultivate, crop, work, brace, poise

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.