enchérir

Enchérir is a French verb that translates to "to bid" or "to bid up" in English. It is commonly used in the context of auctions and sales. When participants enchérir, they are offering a higher price for an item than previously offered. This process continues until no one is willing to offer a higher bid, and the item is sold to the highest bidder.

The act of encherir is fundamental to the auction system, driving competition and determining the market value of goods. It can be done in person at a live auction, or more commonly in modern times, online through various auction platforms. The intensity of encherir can vary depending on the desirability of the item and the number of interested parties. Sometimes, encherir can escalate quickly as bidders try to outmaneuver each other.

Beyond auctions, the term encherir can also be used more broadly to describe the act of increasing or intensifying something, though this usage is less frequent. For example, one might say a situation has "enchérit" if it has become more intense or complex. However, its primary and most recognized meaning remains tied to the act of bidding in a competitive sale.