works up
Builds toward frenzy
Works up means to develop or build something gradually.
You work up an appetite through activity, work up the courage to speak, or work up a sweat exercising.
It can also mean to agitate or excite: Don't get yourself all worked up over nothing.
In professional contexts, to work something up is to develop it more fully: I'll work up a proposal by Friday.
- exciteStimulate strong emotion
- stimulateProvoke into activity
- provokeIncite a response
- pushForce something away
- sweatMoisture from skin pores
generate · ignites · arouse · kindle · strain · heightens · clench · inflames · tense · intensifies · ramps up · induce · mobilizes · revs up · energizes · psychs up · agitates · whip up
works upcalms down
Becomes less agitated
soothes · pacifies · relaxes · tranquilizes · cools down
works upabandons
Ceases to support
drops · scraps · dismantles · tears down · neglects
work, works, worked, working, worker, workers, workable, unworkable, workings