light up

1. (transitive) To illuminate, to bring light to something, to brighten.
   • 1713, Joseph Addison, Cato, published 1712, [Act 1, scene 1]:

     Absence might cure it, or a second mistress / Light up another flame, and put out this.

   • 1922 February, James Joyce, Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare & Co.; Sylvia Beach, OCLC 560090630 ↗; republished London: Published for the Egoist Press, London by John Rodker, Paris, October 1922, OCLC 2297483 ↗:

     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 a brightening of 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 (band), 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.

• Russian: свети́ть

• Russian: свети́ться

• Russian: прику́ривать

light up

1. (transitive, nautical) To loosen, slacken or ease off.

   to light up the jib-sheets