Function: transitive verb
Date: 1902
1 : to increase (a voltage) by means of a transformer
2 : to increase, augment, or advance especially by one or more steps < step up production>
intransitive verb
1 a : to come forward < stepped up to claim responsibility> b : to succeed in meeting a challenge (as by increased effort or improved performance)
2 : to undergo an increase <business is stepping up >
3 : to receive a promotion
– step-up \ ' step- ˌ ə p \ adjective