I. ˈrev noun
Etymology: short for revolution
Date: circa 1890
1. : a revolution of a motor
2. : revolution per minute — usually used in plural
II. verb
( revved ; rev·ving )
Date: 1920
transitive verb
1.
a. : to step up the number of revolutions per minute of — often used with up
rev up the engine
b. : increase — used with up
rev up production
2. : to drive or operate especially at high speed — often used with up
3. : to make more active or effective — used with up
revving up the economy
4. : to stir up : excite — usually used with up
revved up the kids before bedtime
intransitive verb
1. : to operate at an increased speed of revolution — usually used with up
2. : to increase in amount or activity — usually used with up
the campaign revved up
3. : to become more excited especially in anticipation — usually used with up
the partygoers were revving up
III. abbreviation
1. revenue
2. reverse
3. review; reviewed
4. revised; revision
5. revolution