English

Verb

light up ‎(third-person singular simple present lights up, present participle lighting up, simple past and past participle lit up)

1. (transitive) To illuminate, to bring light to something, to brighten.
   • 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Episode 12, The Cyclops:

     The deafening claps of thunder and the dazzling flashes of lightning which lit up the ghastly scene testified that the artillery of heaven had lent its supernatural pomp to the already gruesome spectacle.

   • 2009, President Nixon's Pilot, Jim Bell, in The Propinquity Effect (ISBN 1467870803):

     When we cranked up the engine, the fire warning light lit up.

2. (transitive) To show an increase in activity or mood.

   He saw Mary and his face lit up.

3. (intransitive) To light a cigarette, pipe, etc.

   Smoking in this building is not allowed, so I always step outside to light up.

4. (transitive) To make happy.
   • 2001, Ash, Shining Light

     You are a shining light, and you light up my life.

   • 2010, WLTX.com, Young Girl Continues Bike Giveaway Tradition, 25 Nov 2010

     "It lights me up, make me happy. Sometimes I go home, go in my room and cry with joy,"said Hudson smiling

5. (transitive, slang) To open fire on a target or group of targets.
6. (chiefly US, transitive, slang) To shock (someone) with a stun gun.

Translations