light up v 1: start to burn with a bright flame; "The coal in the BBQ grill finally lit up" 2: make lighter or brighter; "This lamp lightens the room a bit" [syn: {light}, {illume}, {illumine}, {illuminate}] 3: become clear; "The sky cleared after the storm" [syn: {clear up}, {clear}, {brighten}] [ant: {overcast}] 4: ignite; "The sky lit up quickly above the raging volcano" 5: begin to smoke; "After the meal, some of the diners lit up" [syn: {fire up}, {light}]