I. ˈəp adverb
Etymology: partly from Middle English up upward, from Old English ūp; partly from Middle English uppe on high, from Old English; both akin to Old High German ūf up and probably to Latin sub under, Greek hypo under, hyper over — more at over
Date: before 12th century
1.
a.
(1) : in or into a higher position or level ; especially : away from the center of the earth
(2) : from beneath the ground or water to the surface
(3) : from below the horizon
(4) : upstream 1
(5) : in or into an upright position
sit up
especially : out of bed
b. : upward from the ground or surface
pull up a daisy
c. : so as to expose a particular surface
2. : with greater intensity
speak up
3.
a. : in or into a better or more advanced state
b. : at an end
your time is up
c. : in or into a state of greater intensity or excitement
d. : to or at a greater speed, rate, or amount
prices went up
e. : in a continual sequence : in continuance from a point or to a point
from third grade up
at prices of $10 and up
up until now
4.
a.
(1) : into existence, evidence, prominence, or prevalence
(2) : into operation or practical form
b. : into consideration or attention
bring up for discussion
5. : into possession or custody
6.
a. : entirely , completely
button up your coat
b. — used as an intensifier
clean up the house
7. : in or into storage : by
lay up supplies
8.
a. : so as to arrive or approach
b. : in a direction conventionally the opposite of down:
(1) : to windward
(2) : northward
(3) : to or at the top
(4) : to or at the rear of a theatrical stage
9. : in or into parts
10. : to a stop — usually used with draw, bring, fetch, or pull
11. : for each side
the score is 15 up
II. adjective
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : risen above the horizon
the sun is up
b. : standing
c. : being out of bed
d. : relatively high
the river is up
was well up in her class
e. : being in a raised position : lifted
windows are up
f. : being in a state of completion : constructed, built
g. : having the face upward
h. : mounted on a horse
a new jockey up
i. : grown above a surface
the corn is up
j.
(1) : moving, inclining, or directed upward
the up escalator
(2) : bound in a direction regarded as up
2.
a.
(1) : marked by agitation, excitement, or activity
(2) : positive or upbeat in mood or demeanor
b. : being above a former or normal level (as of quantity or intensity)
attendance is up
the wind is up
c. : exerting enough power (as for operation)
sail when steam is up
d. : ready ; specifically : highly prepared
e. : going on : taking place
find out what is up
3.
a. : risen from a lower position
men up from the ranks
b. : being at the same level or point
did not feel up to par
c.
(1) : well informed : abreast
up on the news
(2) : being on schedule
up on his homework
d. : being ahead of one's opponent
4.
a. : presented for or undergoing consideration
contract up for negotiation
also : charged before a court
up for robbery
b. : being the one whose turn it is
you're up next
•
- up against
- up to
III. preposition
Date: 1509
1.
a. — used as a function word to indicate motion to or toward or situation at a higher point of
went up the stairs
b. : up into or in the
was hid away up garret — Mark Twain
2.
a. : in a direction regarded as being toward or near the upper end or part of
lives a few miles up the coast
walked up the street
b. : toward or near a point closer to the source or beginning of
sail up the river
3. : in the direction opposite to
sailed up the wind
IV. noun
Date: 1536
1. : one in a high or advantageous position
2. : an upward slope
3. : a period or state of prosperity or success
4. : upper III
5. : a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of +2/3 and that is one of the constituents of a nucleon
V. verb
( upped ˈəpt ; or in intransitive verb 2 up ; upped ; up·ping ; ups or in intransitive verb 2 up )
Date: 1643
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to rise from a lying or sitting position
b. : to move upward : ascend
2. — used with and and another verb to indicate that the action of the following verb was either surprisingly or abruptly initiated
he up and quit his job
transitive verb
1. : raise , lift
2.
a. : to advance to a higher level:
(1) : increase
(2) : promote 1a
b. : raise 8d, e