jack-up

[ jak-uhp ]

noun

, Informal.

1. an increase or rise:

   a recent jack-up in prices.

jack up

verb

1. tr to increase (prices, salaries, etc)
2. tr to raise an object, such as a car, with or as with a jack
3. slang.
   intr to inject oneself with a drug, usually heroin
4. informal.
   intr to refuse to comply; rebel, esp collectively
5. informal.
   to initiate, organize, or procure

noun

1. something that has been contrived or achieved by dishonest means

Word History and Origins

Origin of jack-up¹

1900–05, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase jack up

Idioms and Phrases

Raise or increase, as in The cartel is jacking up oil prices again . This term alludes to the literal meaning of jack up , that is, “hoist with a jack.” [ Colloquial ; c. 1900]

Example Sentences

“All of this was driven by a kind of obsessive attempt to jack up the school’s rankings,” Mr. Campos said.

From New York Times

But more than half the opponents said they might change their minds if the U.S. were to withdraw its troops or jack up the price of U.S. protection, as Trump has threatened.

From Los Angeles Times

Most homeowners had locked in low mortgage rates before the Federal Reserve began jacking up interest rates in March 2022 to curb inflation.

From Los Angeles Times

Burning fossil fuels are jacking up the Earth’s average temperature, with this heating occurring at an even higher rate at both poles due to a process known as the ice-albedo effect.

From Salon

Insurance companies are jacking up rates as they grapple with unprecedented levels of infrastructure damage.

From Salon

Related Words

• add to
• augment
• boost
• broaden
• build
• develop
• expand
• extend
• grow
• inflate
• lengthen
• magnify
• multiply
• swell
• widen