UPS
UPS (verb) means to connect a device to a backup power supply so it stays on during an outage. Example: “IT upsed the servers before the storm hit.”
How to use UPS
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA technical verb meaning to plug something into an uninterruptible power supply.
Word forms
UPSed past tense, UPSed past tense, UPSes singular, UPSes singular
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Can you complete this real example?
IT _____ the servers before the storm hit.
Synonyms
View more →Frequently asked questions
What does “UPS” mean?
The word “UPS” means to connect a device to a backup power supply so it stays on during an outage. In plain terms, a technical verb meaning to plug something into an uninterruptible power supply.
How do you use “UPS” in a sentence?
Here is “UPS” used in a sentence: “IT upsed the servers before the storm hit.”
What part of speech is “UPS”?
“UPS” is a verb.
Is “UPS” a common word?
“UPS” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What does UPS stand for?
In this sense, UPS stands for 'uninterruptible power supply' — a battery backup that keeps equipment running when the mains power fails. Used as a verb, to 'UPS' a device means to connect it to that backup. This is unrelated to the parcel-delivery company of the same name.
What is the difference between a UPS and a generator?
A UPS uses a battery to keep devices powered instantly the moment the mains fails, but only for a short time. A generator produces its own electricity from fuel and can run for hours, though it takes seconds to start. Many setups pair the two together for full coverage.
Why is a UPS important?
A UPS prevents sudden shutdowns during a power cut, giving equipment time to keep running or save data and close safely. It protects computers, servers, and network gear from lost work and file corruption, and also smooths out voltage dips and spikes that could otherwise damage sensitive electronics.
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