I. transitive verb
Etymology: pump (II)
: to work up by artificial means or by great effort
pumping up a poem till it means everything — N.E.Nelson
pumping up his smile — Edwin O'Connor
II. transitive verb
1.
a. : to fill with enthusiasm and excitement
b. : to fill up as if with air : inflate
constant praise pumped up his ego
2. : increase 1
trying to pump up sales