Word: light up Part of Speech: verb Etymology: Phrasal verb from light (“to make bright, ignite”, verb) + up (“to a higher degree”, adverb). 1. To illuminate, to bring light to something, to brighten. Labels: transitive Example: 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. Example: 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. 2. To start to emit light; to become activated as a light source. Labels: intransitive Example: When we cranked up the engine, the fire warning light lit up. 3. To show an increase in activity or a brightening of mood. Labels: figuratively, intransitive Example: Clara's eyes lit up at this highly unusual occurrence. Example: He saw Mary and his face lit up. 4. To ignite. Labels: transitive Example: Absence might cure it, or a second mistress / Light up another flame, and put out this. 5. To light a cigarette, pipe, etc. Labels: intransitive Example: Smoking in this building is not allowed, so I always step outside to light up. Example: 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. 6. To light a cigarette, pipe, etc. for (someone). Labels: transitive Example: [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. Example: Then I tried simply holding unlighted cigarettes, continually rejecting offers by well-meaning friends to light me up. Nothing worked. 7. To make happy. Labels: transitive Example: You are a shining light, and you light up my life. Example: "It lights me up, make me happy. Sometimes I go home, go in my room and cry with joy,"said Hudson smiling 8. To introduce (someone to something), to make someone aware of or interested in something; turn on. Labels: transitive Example: 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. Example: I never troll the other side but being in Florida for a few days & seeing the dude with the Gadsden “Don’t Tread on Me” shirt really lit me up to the reality of this nightmare we’re all trying desperately to survive & to keep our precious Democracy. 9. To open fire on a target or group of targets, especially with rockets, a flamethrower, etc. Labels: slang, transitive Example: telling me to light it up if it didn't stop approaching Example: The back plating looks vulnerable, light that sucker up! 10. To shock (someone) with a stun gun. Labels: US, slang, transitive 11. To activate the emergency sirens on a police vehicle in order to pull someone over. Labels: US, slang, transitive Example: 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.