Phrasal verbs consists of a basic verb + another word or words. The two or three words that make up a phrasal verb form a short 'phrase' - which is why we call them 'phrasal verbs'.
Phrasal Verb:
start something up
Meaning:
to start something, such as a car or some procedure. (Also without up.)
Example:
It was cold, but I managed to start up the car without any difficulty.