key up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To raise (the whole ring of an arch) off its centering, by driving in the keystone forcibly.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To raise the pitch of.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To produce nervous tension in (someone).
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “key up” mean?
To raise (the whole ring of an arch) off its centering, by driving in the keystone forcibly.
Is “key up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.