tank up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To fill up (for example, a tank in a vehicle with gas, petrol, etc.).
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
A painter was desirous of drawing the elephant, which was kept in the menagerie at Versailles, […] [H]e [the elephant] turned his resentment on the master, and tanking up a quantity of water in his trunk, threw it on the paper upon which the painter was drawing, and spoiled it.
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
To intoxicate oneself, especially with alcohol.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To install a tank.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “tank up” mean?
To fill up (for example, a tank in a vehicle with gas, petrol, etc.).
Is “tank up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.