Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
-
- [kee uhp]
- /ki ʌp/
- /kiː ʌp/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [kee uhp]
- /ki ʌp/
Definitions of key up words
- noun plural key up a small metal instrument specially cut to fit into a lock and move its bolt. 1
- noun plural key up any of various devices resembling or functioning as a key: the key of a clock. 1
- noun plural key up key card. 1
- noun plural key up something that affords a means of access: the key to happiness. 1
- noun plural key up something that secures or controls entrance to a place: Gibraltar is the key to the Mediterranean. 1
- noun plural key up something that affords a means of clarifying a problem. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of key up
First appearance:
before 900 One of the 4% oldest English words
before 900; Middle English key(e), kay(e), Old English cǣg, cǣge; cognate with Old Frisian kei, kai
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Key up
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
key up popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 99% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
key up usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for key up
verb key up
- activate — If a device or process is activated, something causes it to start working.
- prompt — done, performed, delivered, etc., at once or without delay: a prompt reply.
- inspire — to fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence: His courage inspired his followers.
- propel — to drive, or cause to move, forward or onward: to propel a boat by rowing.
- move — to pass from one place or position to another.
Antonyms for key up
verb key up
- prevent — to keep from occurring; avert; hinder: He intervened to prevent bloodshed.
- dissuade — to deter by advice or persuasion; persuade not to do something (often followed by from): She dissuaded him from leaving home.
- hinder — to cause delay, interruption, or difficulty in; hamper; impede: The storm hindered our progress.
- calm — A calm person does not show or feel any worry, anger, or excitement.
- lull — to put to sleep or rest by soothing means: to lull a child by singing.