gear

1. a part, as a disk, wheel, or section of a shaft, having cut teeth of such form, size, and spacing that they mesh with teeth in another part to transmit or receive force and motion.
2. an assembly of such parts.
3. one of several possible arrangements of such parts in a mechanism, as an automobile transmission, for affording different relations of torque and speed between the driving and the driven machinery, or for permitting the driven machinery to run in either direction:

   first gear;

   reverse gear.

4. a mechanism or group of parts performing one function or serving one purpose in a complex machine:

   steering gear.

Synonyms: , , ,

1. the lines, tackles, etc., of a particular sail or spar.
2. the personal tools, clothing, and other possessions of a sailor.

1. to make or get ready for a future event or situation:

   Insiders say the senator is gearing up to run for governor.

2. to get or put on equipment or clothing for a particular purpose:

   The hikers geared up for the long trek down the mountain.

3. to arouse or excite, as with enthusiasm or expectation:

   The employees were geared up for a hard battle with management over working hours.

1. Automotive. to shift the transmission of a vehicle to a lower gear:

   The truck driver geared down at the top of the hill.

2. to reduce in scope or intensity:

   With less income you'll have to gear down your spending habits.