upgear means to shift to a higher gear. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 95 out of 100.
Etymology
From up- + gear.
verb
- To shift to a higher gear“The air-cooled two-cylinder engine is less obtrusive than one might expect, thanks to vacuum control which automatically upgears the car and holds down the speed of the 746-cc engine.”
- To shift to a higher level or standard; upgrade“Cam will help but you'd need to upgear a tire size to capitalize on it.”
- To move to an elevated level of activity, performance, or intensity“The vicious cycle of repression was upgeared and intensified.”