v. (stress on "up") 1. To make by putting things or parts together. A car is made up of many different parts. 2. To invent; think and say something that is new or not true. Jean makes up stories to amuse her little brother. 3a. To do or provide (something lacking or needed); do or supply (something not done, lost, or missed); get back; regain; give back; repay. I have to make up the test I missed last week. I want to go to bed early to make up the sleep I lost last night. We have to drive fast to make up the hour we lost in Boston. Vitamin pills make up what you lack in your diet. The toy cost a dollar and Ted only had fifty cents, so Father made up the difference. Often used in the phrase "make it up to". Uncle Fred forgot my birthday present but he made it up to me by taking me to the circus. Mrs. Rich spent so much time away from her children that she tried to make it up to them by giving them things.
Compare: MAKE GOOD. 3b. To do what is lacking or needed; do or give what should be done or given; get or give back what has been lost, missed, or not done; get or give instead; pay back. Used with "for". We made up for lost time by taking an airplane instead of a train. Saying you are sorry won't make up for the damage of breaking the window. Mary had to make up for the time she missed in school when she was sick, by studying very hard. The beautiful view at the top of the mountain makes up for the hard climb to get there. 4. To put on lipstick and face paint powder. Clowns always make up before a circus show. Tom watched his sister make up her face for her date. 5. To become friends again after a quarrel. Mary and Joan quarreled, but made up after a while.
Compare: BURY THE HATCHET. 6. To try to make friends with someone; to win favor. Followed by "to". The new boy made up to the teacher by sharpening her pencils.