v. phr. 1. To bravely confront a person or a challenge; admit. Jack doesn't want to face up to the fact that Helen doesn't love him anymore. Jane cannot face up to her mother-in-law who always wins every argument they have. 2. To confess something to someone; confess to having done something. Jim had to face up to having stolen a sweater from the department store.
Antonym: FACE DOWN.