warm up

IPA/wˈɔːm ˈʌp/
IPA/wˈɔːɹm ˈʌp/

warm up — phrasal verb

  • warm upbase form
  • warms up3rd person singular
  • warming up-ing form
  • warmed uppast simple

1. to do light physical movements or gentle practice just before starting a more ac

1.片語動詞不及物A2
釋義

to do light physical movements or gentle practice just before starting a more active sport, exercise, or performance, in order to prevent injury and improve ability

例句

Tanvi always warms up for ten minutes before going for a run.

warm up + before + [activity]

The band warmed up backstage by playing a few quiet songs first.

同義詞
  • stretch

    focuses on lengthening muscles rather than light exercise as a whole

  • limber up

    more informal; used mainly for physical flexibility preparation

反義詞
  • cool down

    the gentle exercises done after a workout to help the body return to a resting state

文法句型

warm up + before/for + [activity]

用法筆記

Almost always used without an object in this sense. The object form (e.g. 'warm your muscles up') exists but is less common in everyday speech.

常見錯誤

I warmed up my body before the game.
I warmed up before the game.
💡'warm up' is usually intransitive; you don't need to name what you are warming.
She warm up before yoga.
She warms up before yoga.
💡'warm up' needs a third-person ‑s just like any verb.

2. to let an engine, motor, or piece of equipment run briefly before using it fully

2.片語動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to let an engine, motor, or piece of equipment run briefly before using it fully, so that its parts reach the best operating temperature

例句

On cold mornings, Marco warms up the car engine for a minute before driving.

warm up + [engine/car] (transitive)

The old generator needs at least five minutes to warm up in winter.

文法句型

warm [noun] up

warm up + [noun]

用法筆記

Used transitively and intransitively. When transitive, the object is typically a vehicle or machine. This sense is more common in British English when talking about cars and trucks.

常見錯誤

The coffee maker needs to warm up the water.
The coffee maker needs to warm up.
💡This sense is for engines and machines; for water/liquid, use 'heat up' or 'warm' alone.

3. to become more excited, interested, or enthusiastic about something; or to make

3.片語動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to become more excited, interested, or enthusiastic about something; or to make a group, event, or audience feel more lively and engaged

例句

The crowd slowly warmed up after the comedian told a few funny stories.

Sirin disliked the idea at first but warmed up to it after a week.

warm up to + [new idea]

同義詞
  • liven up

    more informal; often describes a place or event becoming more fun

  • loosen up

    focuses on becoming less tense or formal, rather than more enthusiastic

反義詞
  • cool off

    to become less interested or enthusiastic

文法句型

warm up + to + [person/idea]

warm [audience] up

常見錯誤

The weather warmed up in spring.
The crowd warmed up after the first song.
💡'warm up' for weather is not this sense; use 'get warmer' or 'warm' alone for temperature changes.

4. to heat food that has already been cooked and has become cold, so that it is rea

4.片語動詞及物 / 不及物A2
釋義

to heat food that has already been cooked and has become cold, so that it is ready to eat again

例句

Layla warmed up the leftover pasta in the microwave for lunch.

warm up + [leftover food] (transitive)

The pizza will taste better if you warm it up in the oven instead.

同義詞
  • heat up

    more general; can also mean making something hot from a raw or cold state

文法句型

warm [food] up

warm up + [food]

用法筆記

In this sense, the object is always previously cooked food. The phrase is interchangeable with 'heat up' in most contexts, though 'warm up' suggests gentler heating.

常見錯誤

I warmed up the chicken before cooking it.
I warmed up the leftover chicken from last night.
💡Do not use 'warm up' for raw food; it means reheating already-cooked food.