Definitions:

1. To increase something steadily or incrementally, often in intensity, pressure, effort, or quantity, especially in a way that's hard to reverse. VERB
   • The company ratcheted up production to meet holiday demands.
2. To raise or intensify something step by step. VERB
   • He's ratcheting up the pressure on lawmakers to act.

Synonyms:

• amplify
• build up
• escalate
• increase
• intensify
• step up