I. ˈrev noun
( -s )
Etymology: short for revolution
: a revolution of a motor
300 revs per minute
II. verb
( revved ; revved ; revving ; revs or revvs )
transitive verb
: to step up the number of revolutions per minute of (a motor)
revving the engine and slamming the clutch in — Richard McCloskey
— often used with up
three people revving up motor-bikes — London Calling
intransitive verb
of a motor : to operate at an increased speed of revolution — usually used with up
a bomber revved up on the hangar apron — General Electric Review
III. abbreviation
1. revenue
2. often capitalized reverend
3. reverse; reversed
4. review; reviewed
5. revise; revised; revision
6. revolution
7. revolving
IV. transitive verb
1. : 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 or excite especially in preparation or anticipation — usually used with up
party officials revved up the crowd — Suzanne Daley
5. : jazz I,2 — used with up
combos of black and white … revved up with vibrant colored accessories — Christian Science Monitor
intransitive verb
: to become more excited or active especially in preparation or anticipation — usually used with up
revving up for his turbocharged performance — Paula Chin & T. Kahn