Phrase guide

ramp up

verb · 5 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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  • General-American: /ˌɹæmp ˈʌp/ in isolation
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To increase rapidly to a new value.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • Near-synonym: build up
  • Headcount ramped up over three months.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: build up

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To increase (something) rapidly to a new value; to cause (something) to ramp up.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Near-synonym: build up
  • The manager ramped up headcount.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: build up

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To start up; to be in an initial phase of rapid increase.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: fire up, spin up
  • The 5G development project will ramp up in the first quarter.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: fire up, spin up

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To start (something) up; to cause (something) to ramp up.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: management

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: fire up, spin up
  • He wants to be first to ramp up his project.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: fire up, spin up

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

bolster or strengthen

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • We worked up courage
  • build up confidence
  • ramp up security in the airports

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: build up, work up, build

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: increase

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: aumentar — Translations
  • Spanish: incrementar — Translations
  • Spanish: intensificar — Translations
  • Spanish: acelerar — Translations