light up

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To illuminate, to bring light to something, to brighten.

   • The deafening claps of thunder and the dazzling flashes of lightning which lit up the ghastly scene testified that the artillery of heaven had lent its supernatural pomp to the already gruesome spectacle.
   • I've never seen a supernova blow up, but if it's anything like my old Chevy Nova, it'll light up the night sky.
   • The illumination was organised by Martin Whyte from events company The Stage Group, fulfilling a long-held ambition of his to light up the 21-arch Scottish structure.
2. 2

   To start to emit light

   To start to emit light; to become activated as a light source.

   • When we cranked up the engine, the fire warning light lit up.
3. 3

   To show an increase in activity or a brightening of mood.

   • Clara's eyes lit up at this highly unusual occurrence.
   • He saw Mary and his face lit up.
4. ›+ 9 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To ignite.

      • Absence might cure it, or a second mistress / Light up another flame, and put out this.
   2. 5

      To light a cigarette, pipe, etc.

      • Smoking in this building is not allowed, so I always step outside to light up.
      • The cleaner worked, of course, at nights. He had to coal and light up the engine, as well as clean it, for the next day's work, which commenced with a light run to Barnham to "bring in the goods" from that station at about 6.30 a.m.
      • On the morning after the one-day strike, October 4, one of the Type 4s on crew-training, No. D169, was appropriated to head the 3 a.m. mail to Hull, as no steam locomotive had been lit up and the usual Hull Type 3 was not available; [...].
   3. 6

      To light a cigarette, pipe, etc. for (someone).

      • [He] accepted a cigar from one of his timid admirers. They followed him like Kindergärtner as he pointedly moved away from the Owl before allowing someone to light him up.
      • Then I tried simply holding unlighted cigarettes, continually rejecting offers by well-meaning friends to light me up. Nothing worked.
      • It was 3-0 to us and they were standing next to me, so I got the old cigar out and said to Buzzer (Nicky Summerbee), ‘Light me up, son. We’re in the Premiership’.
   4. 7

      To make happy.

      • You are a shining light, and you light up my life.
      • "It lights me up, make me happy. Sometimes I go home, go in my room and cry with joy,"said Hudson smiling
   5. 8

      To introduce (someone to something), to make someone aware of or interested in something

      To introduce (someone to something), to make someone aware of or interested in something; turn on.

      • Those clauses aren't all that uncommon these days; they were protecting thousands of gay and lesbian people before there were any city gay rights ordinances. That kind of stuff lit me up to the labor movement.
   6. 9

      To open fire on a target or group of targets, especially with rockets, a flamethrower,…

      To open fire on a target or group of targets, especially with rockets, a flamethrower, etc.

      • telling me to light it up if it didn't stop approaching
      • The back plating looks vulnerable, light that sucker up!
   7. 10

      To shock (someone) with a stun gun.

   8. 11

      To activate the emergency sirens on a police vehicle in order to pull someone over.

      • I guess he doesn't realize who's behind him, because the way he's darting and weaving, he's practically begging me to light him up.
   9. 12

      To loosen, slacken, or ease off.

      • to light up the jib-sheets

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