beef-up

[ beef-uhp ]

noun

1. an act or instance of strengthening or reinforcing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of beef-up¹

Noun use of verb phrase beef up

Idioms and Phrases

Strengthen, reinforce, as in Mary wants us to beef up her part in the play . This phrase relies on an older slang sense of beef as “muscles” or “power.” [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Polling places and locations where ballots are counted have beefed up security in advance of Tuesday’s election, deploying bomb- and firearm-sniffing dogs, metal detectors, panic buttons and even rooftop snipers to protect workers and voters.

From Los Angeles Times

Good said the ordinance, which took effect in April 2023, includes rigorous provisions for data collection, and the Housing Department has beefed up its data team to make sure the funding is transparent.

From Los Angeles Times

The summit is due to end on 1 November, with many issues still outstanding, including finance for preserving biodiversity across the globe and beefing up national plans for protecting nature.

From BBC

Trump brought his beef up again during an appearance Sunday on Fox News’ “Media Buzz.”

From Los Angeles Times

One thing is certain, Galen said — if Harris were to visit Brentwood as president, security would be beefed up.

From Los Angeles Times