Definition of the word ratchet up

The word "ratchet up" is a phrasal verb that combines the words "ratchet" and "up." "Ratchet" originates from the Old French word "raquete," meaning a noise-making instrument that produces a kind of cracking or rattling sound. It later came to refer to a mechanism with teeth or pawls that prevent the movement of a mechanism from reversing. The term "ratchet up" was originally used in industrial contexts to describe the action of advancing a mechanism or system incrementally by turning a handle or dial. However, its usage evolved to encompass other situations where there is a gradual increase or intensification of a situation, such as in finance, political discourse, or sports commentary. The prefix "up" in "ratchet up" signifies an increase or enhancement, as in "upgrade" or "upholster." In the context of "ratchet up," it implies that a situation or force is being amplified, strengthened, or made more intense. The expression "ratchet up" gained wider popularity in the late twentieth century, as it became a convenient way to describe the escalation of issues like political tensions or economic sanctions. Today, it is a common term used in various fields, such as business, engineering, and sports, to convey the idea of a gradual yet significant increase or intensification of an activity or condition.