Curl up

phrasal verb

Sit or lie with the knees close to the chest.

I like to curl up with a good book in the evenings.
Visual representation of "curl up" - Sit or lie with the knees close to the chest

Often appears as...

  • curl up with a book
  • curl up in a ball
phrasal verb

React with a strong emotion.

When he said that, I wanted to curl up and die.
Visual representation of "curl up" - React with a strong emotion

Often appears as...

  • curl up and die
  • curl up with embarrassment

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

phrasal verb

Cause to curl or twist.

The stylist used a curling iron to curl up her hair.
Visual representation of "curl up" - Cause to curl or twist

Often appears as...

  • curl up hair
  • curl up ribbons
phrasal verb

Sit or lie with the knees close to the chest.

I like to curl up with a good book in the evenings.
Visual representation of "curl up" - Sit or lie with the knees close to the chest

Often appears as...

  • curl up with a book
  • curl up in a ball
phrasal verb

React with a strong emotion.

When he said that, I wanted to curl up and die.
Visual representation of "curl up" - React with a strong emotion

Often appears as...

  • curl up and die
  • curl up with embarrassment

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

phrasal verb

Cause to curl or twist.

The stylist used a curling iron to curl up her hair.
Visual representation of "curl up" - Cause to curl or twist

Often appears as...

  • curl up hair
  • curl up ribbons
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "curl up"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Comfort

Used to express the feeling of physical coziness, often associated with warmth and relaxation.

Illustration for Physical Comfort
The cat loves to curl up by the fireplace.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Solo Activity

Suggests the person is alone, enjoying their own company with an activity like reading.

Illustration for Solo Activity
She's going to curl up with her favorite novel tonight.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Safety

May imply seeking comfort or safety in a protective posture during stress.

Illustration for Emotional Safety
During the thunderstorm, the child curled up in his bed.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Comfort

Used to express the feeling of physical coziness, often associated with warmth and relaxation.

Illustration for Physical Comfort
The cat loves to curl up by the fireplace.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Solo Activity

Suggests the person is alone, enjoying their own company with an activity like reading.

Illustration for Solo Activity
She's going to curl up with her favorite novel tonight.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Safety

May imply seeking comfort or safety in a protective posture during stress.

Illustration for Emotional Safety
During the thunderstorm, the child curled up in his bed.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Comfort

Used to express the feeling of physical coziness, often associated with warmth and relaxation.

Illustration for Physical Comfort
The cat loves to curl up by the fireplace.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Solo Activity

Suggests the person is alone, enjoying their own company with an activity like reading.

Illustration for Solo Activity
She's going to curl up with her favorite novel tonight.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Safety

May imply seeking comfort or safety in a protective posture during stress.

Illustration for Emotional Safety
During the thunderstorm, the child curled up in his bed.
Visual representation of the word "Curl up"

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