Diversify your English speaking by mastering phrasal verbs ending in 'up', from interacting and documenting to increasing and expressing feelings.
22 topics289 words
Interacting or Documenting25 words
belt upverbto suddenly become silent or stop talking
butter upverbto compliment someone to gain something in return
chase upverbto seek something that belongs to one or is needed, often to find more information about it
chat upverbto talk with someone in a playful or romantic way to explore a potential connection
clam upverbto suddenly become silent or refuse to talk, often because of nervousness, fear, or a desire to keep information secret
come up toverbto have a conversation with someone
feel upverbto inappropriately touch someone for one's sexual pleasure, specifically without their permission
join upverbto collaborate with someone else or a group to work together on a shared task or objective
meet upverbto come together with someone, usually by prior arrangement or plan in order to spend time or do something together
own upverbto confess and take responsibility for one's mistakes
phone upverbto call someone using a telephone
shine up toverbto make someone like one by being exceptionally kind toward them
shut upverbto stop talking and be quiet
soften upverbto be kind to someone with the intention of increasing the chances of them agreeing to one's request
suck up toverbto attempt to gain favor or approval from someone in a position of authority by engaging in actions or saying things to please them
talk upverbto speak positively or enthusiastically about something or someone to promote or increase its value, importance, or popularity
write upverbto display information publicly and clearly
call upverbto call someone on the phone
catch upverbto exchange information or knowledge that was missed or overlooked
follow upverbto investigate further based on information or suggestions provided by someone
hush upverbto cause someone or something to be quiet
sign upverbto sign a contract agreeing to do a job
speak upverbto express thoughts freely and confidently
square upverbto reach an agreement or manage a dispute, often by coming to terms or resolving differences
sum upverbto briefly state the most important parts or facts of something
Increasing or Decreasing22 words
bump upverbto increase something, such as a quantity, level, or value
creep upverbto gradually add to the amount, number, price, etc. of something
ease upverbto reduce pressure, intensity, or pace of something to make someone feel more at ease
hurry upverbto act more quickly because there is not much time
let upverbto become less intense or strong
rev upverbto increase the speed of an engine
slow upverbto decrease in speed or pace
speed upverbto become faster
scale upverbto cause an increase in the amount, size, or significance of something
build upverbto become more powerful, intense, or larger in quantity
flare upverbto suddenly become more intense, especially in terms of a situation or conflict
go upverbto increase in value, extent, amount, etc.
kick upverbto increase the price of something
pick upverbto experience a positive rise in something
pile upverbto increase in amount or quantity over time
pump upverbto increase or enhance something
push upverbto cause an increase in the amount, number, or value of something
run upverbto cause the cost or value of something to increase
send upverbto cause the value or price of something to rise
shoot upverb(of an amount or price) to increase rapidly
step upverbto increase the size, amount, intensity, speed, etc. of something
turn upverbto turn a switch on a device so that it makes more sound, heat, etc.
Causing or Expressing a Feeling17 words
act upverbto cause regular discomfort or pain, often related to a physical illness or health issue
chew upverbto express strong disapproval or anger toward someone
soak upverbto fully immerse oneself in an experience
charge upverbto make someone or something lively and excited
liven upverbto add energy or excitement to a situation
sex upverbto make something more interesting, often by making it sexually appealing
tense upverbto create a state of tension and discomfort
brighten upverbto suddenly feel or appear happier
buck upverbto encourage someone when they are sad or discouraged
buoy upverbto become happier or more hopeful
pep upverbto inspire someone, especially with enthusiastic cheers or words of encouragement
crack upverbto laugh in a loud or uncontrollable manner
work upverbto cause someone to feel upset or emotional
loosen upverbto let go of tension and anxiety
stir upverbto cause strong feelings, often unpleasant ones
cheer upverbto feel happy and satisfied
perk upverbto become more energetic or lively
Creating or Making16 words
dream upverbto come up with a creative idea, plan, or solution
drum upverbto actively gather and engage individuals by generating interest or excitement through promotion or persuasion
gang upverbto form a group, typically to confront, hurt, or oppose a particular individual or group
queue upverbto form a line or queue, often with a specific order, while waiting for something
rustle upverbto hastily create a meal, typically using whatever ingredients are available
summon upverbto bring forth a memory or image, causing one to remember or think about something
think upverbto generate ideas or concepts, often in a creative manner
trump upverbto invent typically false or exaggerated information in order to create a false idea about someone or something
conjure upverbto bring forth something, often from the realm of imagination, as if by enchantment
draw upverbto create a plan, document, or written agreement, often in a formal or official context
knock upverbto make something quickly and easily, often without much care or effort
line upverbto stand in a line or row extending in a single direction
make upverbto create a false or fictional story or information
spring upverbto begin to exist very quickly
whip upverbto make food very quickly
work upverbto gradually but consistently strive to achieve something or make something happen
Moving or Positioning15 words
creep up onverbto move slowly and gradually toward someone or something without being noticed
curl upverbto position one's body like a ball with one's arms and legs placed close to one's body while sitting
fold upverbto bend something to make it smaller or more compact
hole upverbto hide and stay in a place to avoid being noticed or disturbed
roll upverbto fold something into a tube-like shape
stack upverbto neatly arrange objects, usually in a vertical arrangement, forming piles
squash upverbto collectively move closer together, typically by adjusting one's position, to create more space
straighten upverbto correct one's posture or position to become more upright
come upverbto move toward someone, usually in order to talk to them
get upverbto get on our feet and stand up
put upverbto place something somewhere noticeable
show upverbto arrive at an event or appointment where one is expected
sit upverbto change one's position from a lying position into an upright one
stand upverbto rise to a standing position from a seated or lying position
warm upverbto prepare one's body for exercising or playing sports with gentle stretches and exercises
Stopping, Finishing, or Delaying13 words
bottle upverbto suppress emotions, desires, or impulses instead of expressing them
catch up onverbto complete or do something that one could not do earlier, often because of a busy schedule
seize upverb(of a machine or system) to stop working because its parts have become stuck or jammed
wind upverbto bring something to a conclusion or resolution, often in a way that was unexpected or unplanned
yield upverbto surrender, typically under pressure or force applied by external factors
finish upverbto complete a task or activity thoroughly and entirely
give upverbto stop trying when faced with failures or difficulties
give up onverbto stop believing that something is possible or achievable
hang upverbto end a phone call by breaking the connection
hold upverbto delay the progress of something
keep upverbto preserve something at a consistently high standard, price, or level
pull upverb(of a vehicle) to come to a stop
wrap upverbto complete a meeting, task, agreement, etc.
Cleaning or Separating13 words
clean upverbto make oneself neat or clean
clean up afterverbto tidy, remove, or organize things following a particular activity or event
clear up afterverbto make a place tidy by putting things back where they belong, often following a particular activity or event
divide upverbto distribute something into separate parts, shares, or portions
sweep upverbto collect and remove dirt or trash, typically from the floor or a surface using a broom
tidy upverbto make a place neat and orderly by putting things away, cleaning, or organizing
wipe upverbto clean a surface by using a cloth or mop to remove liquid or any sort of substance spills
break upverbto end a relationship, typically a romantic or sexual one
clear upverbto explain or resolve confusion, making something easier to understand or less ambiguous
mop upverbto remove or absorb liquid from the ground floor, often using a sponge, cloth, or absorbent material
split upverbto separate something into smaller components
tear upverbto rip something into small pieces
wash upverbto clean one's hands, face, or body, typically using water and soap
Giving or Gathering14 words
cough upverbto reluctantly provide or surrender something, often money or information
gather upverbto collect various things or people that are spread out for a specific purpose
hoard upverbto collect and store a large quantity of something, often valuable or useful items
pack upverbto put things into containers or bags in order to transport or store them
round upverbto gather people or things, often to organize or deal with them
save upverbto set money or resources aside for future use
serve upverbto offer something, typically food or drink, to someone
stock upverbto gather something in large amounts to keep for future use, sale, or for a particular occasion
shade upverb(of animals) to seek a sheltered area to avoid direct exposure to the sun
fork upverbto reluctantly provide something, often under pressure or obligation
double upverbto share or occupy the same space or accommodation with another person, often due to limited resources
fix upverbto provide someone with something such as a service or an opportunity
hook upverbto provide someone with something
pick upverbto retrieve an item from a location where it was left
Improving or Strengthening12 words
big upverbto praise someone or something a lot and make them seem better than they actually are
brush upverbto practice and improve skills or knowledge that one has learned in the past
jazz upverbto make something more interesting, exciting, or lively by adding enhancements or creative elements
man upverbto show courage and strength in a difficult situation
polish upverbto improve something until it reaches a high level of quality or completeness
shore upverbto prevent a building or a part of it from falling, by putting large pieces of wood or metal under or against it
skill upverbto provide someone with the skills necessary to perform a specific job or task effectively
touch upverbto make minor improvements or fixes to something, usually by adding a small amount of additional material
toughen upverbto become stronger and better at handling difficulties
level upverbto improve or raise something to a higher standard or level
move upverbto be promoted to a better position or job in life
spice upverbto make something more exciting by adding variety or creativity
Messing Things or Causing Problems11 words
ball upverbto ruin or create disorder in something
botch upverbto make a serious mistake that causes a lot of harm or destruction
clutter upverbto transform a place into a messy or disorganized environment
cock upverbto mess up something, often due to the lack of necessary ability or knowledge
jumble upverbto disorganize items, elements, or information, creating a state of confusion or chaos
mess upverbto make a mistake or error, causing a situation or task to become disorganized, confused, or unsuccessful
muck upverbto mess up and not succeed because of a mistake that completely ruins something
muddle upverbto confuse or mix two or more things or people together
slip upverbto make a mistake
trip upverbto make someone stumble or fall by hitting or catching their foot on something
mix upverbto unintentionally change the arrangement or order of a group of things, often leading to confusion or errors
Harming, Criticizing, or Stealing11 words
bang upverbto cause harm to someone or something in a violent manner
batter upverbto cause harm to someone or something
beat upverbto physically attack someone, often with repeated blows
beat up onverbto unfairly and harshly criticize someone for something
burn upverbto be entirely destroyed by fire
screw upverbto ruin a situation through mistakes or poor judgment
smash upverbto cause significant damage to something, often with force or violence
run up onverbto unexpectedly and aggressively confront someone
stick upverbto rob someone using a weapon or some form of threat
blow upverbto cause something to explode
mop upverbto deal with and eliminate the last few people who resist or oppose one
Starting or Emerging10 words
crop upverbto appear or arise unexpectedly, often referring to a problem, issue, or situation that was not previously anticipated or planned for
pop upverbto appear or happen unexpectedly
sprout upverbto experience a rapid and unexpected emergence of a significant number of things
take up withverbto dedicate one's time and energy to a specific activity or pursuit
boot upverb(of a computer or electronic device) to start and load the operating system into memory for use
set upverbto establish a fresh entity, such as a company, system, or organization
start upverbto start a process, organization, or activity
strike upverbto begin something, particularly a conversation or relationship
take upverbto make a new interest or hobby a regular part of one's life
wash upverbto be carried to a destination by the force of water
Adding or Filling9 words
fit upverbto fully supply with equipment, clothes, food, or other necessities
load upverbto fill or place a significant amount of weight or quantity onto something
plump upverbto make something fuller or fluffier by shaking or adjusting it
tot upverbto calculate and find the total by adding together various numbers or amounts
add up toverbto amount to a particular total
fill upverbto make something become full
pump upverbto inject air into an object using a tool
spice upverbto add spices or flavorful ingredients to a dish to give it more flavor
top upverbto add more liquid to someone's glass or cup
Paying, Assessing, or Checking10 words
buy upverbto buy the whole supply of something such as tickets, stocks, goods, etc.
cash upverbto count all the money a shop made at the end of the day
check up onverbto examine something to confirm its quality and accuracy
count upverbto add up a group of items or numbers to determine the total
pay upverbto give someone the money one owes
sell upverbto dispose of all one's merchandise or possessions
settle upverbto pay the money one owes someone
size upverbto examine someone or something in order to form a judgment
stump upverbto pay money, often unwillingly or under pressure
weigh upverbto observe someone closely to evaluate their character, abilities, etc.
Facing, Allowing, or Restricting10 words
bear upverbto face challenges with a positive attitude
ease up onverbto soften one's approach by becoming more understanding
face up toverbto confront and deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation directly and courageously
free upverbto make something available by removing restrictions or allowing it to be used for a different purpose
tighten upverbto make something much more strict or limited
pass upverbto refuse to accept an opportunity or offer
put up withverbto tolerate something or someone unpleasant, often without complaining
run up againstverbto encounter a problem or a difficult situation
open upverbto make something available, possible, or reachable, often by creating new opportunities or access points
stand up toverbto courageously confront and resist someone or something, refusing to be controlled
Sleeping, Protecting, or Connecting10 words
stand up forverbto defend or support someone or something
stay upverbto choose not to go to bed and remain awake
wait upverbto stay awake and wait for someone to come
wire upverbto connect something to electrical equipment using wires
back upverbto support someone or something
get upverbto wake up and get out of bed
hook upverbto link or connect someone or something to another device or system
prop upverbto provide financial or material support to an organization, system, or person to prevent failure
sit upverbto stay awake beyond the usual or expected time
wake upverbto no longer be asleep
Styling, Barfing, or Discovering10 words
catch up withverb(of someone in authority) to find out that someone did something wrong and decide to do something about it
chuck upverbto eject stomach contents through the mouth
doll upverbto make oneself look beautiful or stylish, especially for a special event
freshen upverbto improve one's appearance, energy, or smell, usually by washing, grooming, or getting refreshed
smarten upverbto improve one's appearance by wearing more stylish or formal clothing
spit upverbto bring up stomach contents through the mouth
throw upverbto expel the contents of the stomach through the mouth
dig upverbto find something by excavating or digging in the ground
dress upverbto wear formal clothes for a special occasion or event
look upverbto try to find information in a dictionary, computer, etc.
Becoming10 words
dry upverbto become empty of water or other liquids, often through evaporation
fog upverb(of glass, mirrors, lenses, and other such surfaces) to become covered by fog
freeze upverbto become solid or immobile due to cold temperatures, often leading to a lack of functionality
grow upverbto change from being a child into an adult little by little
heat upverbto make something warm or hot
steam upverbto cause a surface particularly a glass one to become foggy
mist upverb(of a piece of glass or mirror) to have a thin layer of water droplets forms on its surface, often due to a difference in temperature or humidity
ice upverbto get coated with ice, often due to freezing temperatures
boil upverb(of a situation or feeling) to start to get out of control and reach a more dangerous state
sober upverbto stop being under the influence of alcohol
Consuming or Cutting9 words
chop upverbto cut something into smaller pieces
drink upverbto consume the entire contents of a glass, bottle, or other container that holds a beverage
gobble upverbto eat something quickly and greedily, often with little regard to manners or etiquette
slice upverbto cut something into slices
use upverbto entirely consume a resource, leaving none remaining
cut upverbto slice something into smaller parts
eat upverbto consume completely, especially in reference to food
fill upverbto eat until one is completely satisfied
finish upverbto consume all of the food or drink that one is eating or drinking
Reaching or Elevating9 words
end upverbto eventually reach or find oneself in a particular place, situation, or condition, often unexpectedly or as a result of circumstances
land upverbto reach a particular situation or place, often unexpectedly
lead up toverbto come before and play a part in causing a particular result or event
lift upverbto take someone or something and move them upward
swell upverbto get bigger abnormally, often due to inflammation or fluid accumulation
pick upverbto take and lift something or someone up
pull upverbto lift or position something or someone upward
push upverbto move something in an upward direction
turn upverbto unexpectedly appear or be found
Securing, Confining, or Hiding13 words
buckle upverbto securely fasten something
close upverbto shut or bring edges together, often to seal a gap or opening
coop upverbto keep someone or something in a small or limited space
cover upverbto prevent something from being discovered or revealed
firm upverbto make a plan, agreement, or decision more definite or secure
lay upverb(of an illness or injury) to confine someone to bed
stop upverbto seal something tightly
zip upverbto fasten a piece of clothing, etc. with a zipper
do upverbto fasten, button, zip, or otherwise secure something, often related to clothing or accessories
lock upverbto close or secure something in a place where it cannot be removed or accessed without the appropriate authorization, key, or combination
send upverbto imprison someone as a punishment
tie upverbto fasten an object securely with ropes
wrap upverbto cover something by putting paper or a similar material around it
Others20 words
swot upverbto study thoroughly, especially in preparation for an exam
catch up inverbto unintentionally become part of a situation
get up toverbto be involved in an activity, often something surprising or unpleasant
head upverbto lead a group, team, or organization
mix up inverbto become involved in a situation, especially one that is problematic or unpleasant
light upverbto make something bright by means of color or light
lighten upverbto make a space or environment become brighter and less gloomy, by adding more light sources or using lighter colors and materials
match upverb(of information) to align or correspond, indicating accuracy or reliability
play upverbto make something seem more important or noticeable by highlighting it
measure upverbto meet or exceed the established requirements or expectations in terms of quality, performance, or achievement
clog upverbto block a passage, system, or space, causing a slowdown or complete stop
gear upverbto get someone or something ready or prepared for a specific task, event, or challenge
to [read] up (on|about) {sth}phraseto extensively read on a specific topic to gain more knowledge or understanding
mug upverbto study or learn something quickly, especially in preparation for an exam or an important event
pick up onverbto notice something that is not immediately obvious
store upverbto memorize information with the intention of sharing it later
bring upverbto look after a child until they reach maturity
add upverbto be logically consistent
patch upverbto repair something quickly or temporarily
shake upverbto move people or things physically, often in an aggressive and unexpected manner
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