Definition

To increase the speed of an engine or motor, often by pressing the accelerator pedal.

Example

The driver decided to rev the engine to show off its power.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear that car rev its engine at the stoplight?

Yeah, it sounded so powerful!

I love how some cars can rev so loudly.

Right? It really gets your adrenaline pumping!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A complete turn or cycle of a motor or engine, often measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).

Example

The engine runs at 3000 revs per minute when driving at high speed.

Conversation

Have you ever checked the rev on your car's engine?

Not really, I just drive it without thinking about that stuff.

I find it interesting to see how high the rev goes when I accelerate.

Definition

To increase the speed of a vehicle or engine, often by pressing the accelerator pedal.

Example

He decided to rev the engine to make it sound more powerful.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard you got a new car, how does it feel to rev the engine?

It's amazing! The sound is so thrilling when I rev it up.

I can only imagine! Does it have enough power to really rev up quickly?

Root Explanation

This word originates from Latin 'revocare', meaning to call back or summon again. The prefix 're-' means again, and 'vocare' means to call. Therefore, 'rev' implies a calling back or returning to a previous state.

Memory Tip

Think of 'calling back' ('re-') something to its previous state — that's why 'rev' relates to returning or summoning again.

Visually Confused Words