Phrase guide

turn up the heat

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

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see turn up, heat.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To increase the intensity of activity or discomfort.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The discovery of a third batch of unsecured documents in a third location is turning up the heat on the White House.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

apply great or increased pressure

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The Democrats turned up the heat on their candidate to concede the election

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: turn up the pressure

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: coerce, hale, squeeze, pressure, force

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.