nerve up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To make anxious.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
was that why you hit him with the hammer because you were nerved up?
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Synonym of nerve (“to give courage or strength; to supply energy or vigour”).
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To get courage or strength.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “nerve up” mean?
To make anxious.
Is “nerve up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.