Causing or Expressing a Feeling: English Vocabulary List

to cause regular discomfort or pain, often related to a physical illness or health issue

"The computer acts up frequently now."

"My computer started to act up right before the important presentation so I had to borrow a laptop from a colleague."

to express strong disapproval or anger toward someone

"The boss will chew him up."

"The manager was furious and proceeded to chew up the employee for his repeated tardiness and lack of attention to detail."

to fully immerse oneself in an experience

"I will soak up the sun."

"During his vacation, he decided to soak up the local culture and atmosphere."

to make someone or something lively and excited

"Music will charge up us."

"The energetic music and cheering crowd helped to charge up the athletes before the start of the championship game."

to add energy or excitement to a situation

"Music livens up the dull party."

"The party really livened up after the DJ started playing some upbeat music that everyone could dance to."

to make something more interesting, often by making it sexually appealing

"The advert sexes up a boring product."

"The advertising agency tried to sex up the product by using attractive models and suggestive images in their commercials."

to create a state of tension and discomfort

"He tenses up before public speaking."

"The athlete tends to tense up before a big competition because he feels nervous about performing well in front of a large crowd."

to suddenly feel or appear happier

"Her smile will brighten up."

"When she heard the good news about her promotion, her entire demeanor seemed to brighten up instantly."

to encourage someone when they are sad or discouraged

"Buck up and try again."

"The coach told his players to buck up and try harder in the second half of the game."

to become happier or more hopeful

"Good news buoys up his spirits."

"The good news buoyed up the spirits of the employees who had been feeling discouraged after the company announced layoffs last month."

to inspire someone, especially with enthusiastic cheers or words of encouragement

"Cheer up and pep up."

"The coach gave a motivational speech to pep up the team before the second half of the important championship game."

to laugh in a loud or uncontrollable manner

"She cracks up at his silly jokes."

"The funny video made me crack up so much that I could not stop laughing for several minutes."

to cause someone to feel upset or emotional

"It will work up sadness."

"The tragic news was enough to work up a deep sense of sorrow in everyone who heard it."

to let go of tension and anxiety

"Loosen up and enjoy the party."

"You need to loosen up and relax a little because being so serious all the time is not good for your stress levels."

to cause strong feelings, often unpleasant ones

"Do not stir up old arguments."

"The journalist was accused of trying to stir up racial hatred with his inflammatory articles about immigration."

to feel happy and satisfied

"Her smile cheers up everyone around."

"She tried to cheer up her sad friend by telling him funny jokes and making silly faces."

to become more energetic or lively

"He will perk up."

"After a good night's sleep, she began to perk up and feel ready to face the day."