Definitions

1. noun

A gear position in a vehicle’s transmission system that allows the vehicle to accelerate more quickly by increasing the gear ratio.

“The driver was forced to upshift to fifth gear as the car accelerated up the steep hill.”

2. verb

To change the gear position of a vehicle’s transmission system to allow the vehicle to accelerate more quickly by increasing the gear ratio.

“The driver had to upshift quickly to avoid stalling the car on the hill.”