# fire up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fire-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to start a machine or a computer program; it can also mean to make someone feel very excited or angry.

For teachers: to initiate the operation of an engine, device, or software application; figuratively, to stimulate intense emotion or enthusiasm in an individual or group.

## Examples

- I need to fire up my laptop before the meeting starts.
- The coach gave a powerful speech to fire up the players before the championship game.
- As soon as the engineers fire up the main turbines, the entire facility begins to vibrate with immense power.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He fired up it." but "He fired it up." — when the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- often used with machines, software, or groups of people as the object.
- Teaching tip: help students connect the literal sense of 'starting a fire' in an engine to the figurative sense of 'igniting' someone's emotions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.