To get worked up means to become increasingly upset, excited, or emotional about something. When you're worked up, your feelings intensify until you can barely think about anything else. You might get worked up before a big performance, feeling your heart race and your hands get sweaty. Or you might get worked up during an argument with your brother, finding yourself angrier with each passing minute.

The phrase suggests a gradual building of emotion, like winding up a toy tighter and tighter. Someone who's worked up over a lost library book might pace around the house, checking the same places repeatedly, unable to calm down even though panicking won't help them find it. A student might get worked up worrying about a test, imagining worst-case scenarios until they've convinced themselves they'll fail.

People sometimes say “don't get so worked up” or “don't work yourself up” when they want someone to stay calm. The phrase recognizes that we sometimes intensify our own emotions by dwelling on problems or possibilities. Getting worked up isn't always bad: excitement before your birthday party means you're worked up in a happy way. But when you're worked up with worry or anger, it can help to take deep breaths and gain some perspective before those feelings spiral out of control.