lighting upn.
/ˌlʌɪtɪŋ ˈʌp/, U.S. /ˌlaɪdɪŋ ˈəp/ 1.
a. Kindling, ignition of something flammable.
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the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > [noun] > going or setting on fire > setting on fire or alight
lightingc1300
firing1370
lighting up1554
lightening1599
1554 R. Smith Bouclier of Catholike Fayth f. 44 Chryst neadid not the oyntement nor the martyrs the lightinge vp of waxe candels.
1834 Landscape Illustr. Waverley Novels I. 15 The bustle and alarm created by the supposed lighting up of a signal.
1917 Jrnl. Gas Lighting 17 Sept. 742/2 The lighting-up of lamps during hours of daylight.
2018 Observer & Citizen (Nexis) 5 Nov. The lighting up of the bonfire at 6.45pm.
b. colloquial. The action or habit of lighting a cigar, cigarette, etc.; smoking.
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the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > tobacco > smoking > [noun] > lighting up
lighting up1881
1881 Time (London) Apr. 115 ‘Would you mind my lighting up before I leave you?’ he adds, as he selects a cigar from his case.
1897 ‘Ouida’ Massarenes ix Do you mind my lighting up, Pater?
1993 N.Y. Times 19 Dec. i. 24/4 A new category of ‘social smokers’ who enjoy lighting up only occasionally.
2. Illumination, suffusion with light; the action of turning on lights. Also figurative.
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the world > matter > light > illumination > [noun]
lightingOE
clearingc1380
beshining1398
burning1466
lumerc1468
tinding1497
illumination1563
illustrationa1631
luminary1645
illuminary1692
lighting up1787
illume1838
1787 Times 17 Aug. The lighting up of the Hall was in the highest style of splendour and magnificence;—it was illuminated with the new Bengal lamps.
1829 W. H. Harrison Tales Physician 77 There was a sudden lighting up of her countenance, as she raised her head a little.
1961 I. Khan Jumbie Bird (1985) v. 48 Wait till it gets dark and the lights go on, our gallery is the best in town to see the ‘lighting-up’.
2014 Irish Times (Nexis) 21 Mar. (World section) 10 The centenary of the start of the first battle of Ypres..will be marked by a lighting-up of the frontline and a projection of the names of all those who fell in the area on the walls of various buildings.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021).
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n.1554