light up

Meaning

1. (transitive) To illuminate, to bring light to something, to brighten.
2. (intransitive) To start to emit light; to become activated as a light source.
3. (figuratively, intransitive) To show an increase in activity or a brightening of mood.
4. (transitive) To ignite.
5. (intransitive) To light a cigarette, pipe, etc.
6. (transitive) To make happy.
7. (transitive) To introduce (someone to something), to make someone aware of or interested in something; turn on.
8. (slang, transitive) To open fire on a target or group of targets, especially with rockets, a flamethrower, etc.
9. (US, slang, transitive) To shock (someone) with a stun gun.
10. (US, slang, transitive) To activate the emergency sirens on a police vehicle in order to pull someone over.

Synonyms

illuminate

shine

brighten

light

illumine

illume

ignite

burn

reveal

kindle

radiate

switch on

sparkle

❇️

fire up

dawn

cause to burn

inflame

irradiate

flame up

blaze

blaze up

break

radiant

enlighten

turn on

clear

clear up

bring to light

lighten

flare up

beam

give light to

Shine a Light

throw the light upon

render beautiful

conflagrate

being illuminated

beacon

give some light

break out

candle

🕯️

catch

catch fire

click

come on

decorate

elucidate

emblaze

emit

erupt

Translations

illuminer

illuminare

accendere

alumbrar

allumer

beleuchten

encenderse

iluminar

mejorar

aufleuchten

rischiarare

belichten

anmachen

desemboirar-se

aclarir-se

Etymology

Phrasal verb from light (“to make bright, ignite”, verb) + up (“to a higher degree”, adverb).