beef up
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up
Meanings
Strengthen or reinforce
Why “up”? More of something is higher. Quantity, intensity and speed all rise.
“They beefed up security at the airport.”
“The school beefed up its online safety rules.”
Test yourself
“They beefed up security at the airport.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
back up
Same up pattern: increase
Make a digital copy of data as a safeguard; Support someone's claim, story or position; Move backward along the same path; (of traffic or water) accumulate because flow is blocked
blow up
Same up pattern: increase
Explode or be destroyed by an explosion; Inflate something by filling it with air; Suddenly become very angry; Enlarge a photograph or image; (of a storm or argument) develop quickly into something serious
build up
Same up pattern: increase
Gradually increase in amount, strength or intensity; Develop or strengthen something over time; Make someone or something seem more important or impressive than they are; Encourage or strengthen someone emotionally; Create momentum towards a moment or event
cheer up
Same up pattern: increase
Become happier or less miserable; Make someone else happier; (imperative) Stop being sad; used as encouragement
dress up
Same up pattern: increase
Put on smart or formal clothes; Wear a costume, often imitating someone or something; Make something look more attractive or impressive than it is
get up
Same up pattern: increase
Rise from bed or a seat; Move to a standing position; Increase in strength
go up
Same up pattern: increase
Rise in price or amount
grow up
Same up pattern: increase
Reach adulthood; mature
Practice “beef up” in Sink In
Drill this and 600+ phrasal verbs with spaced repetition, organised by particle.