Wait up
phrasal verb
To not go to bed until someone returns or finishes something.
I will wait up for you, so don't worry about coming home late.
Often appears as...
- wait up for me
- wait up until
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To halt or stop moving so someone can catch up.
Wait up! I need to tie my shoes.
Often appears as...
- wait up! i'm coming
- wait up for a moment
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To not go to bed until someone returns or finishes something.
I will wait up for you, so don't worry about coming home late.
Often appears as...
- wait up for me
- wait up until
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To halt or stop moving so someone can catch up.
Wait up! I need to tie my shoes.
Often appears as...
- wait up! i'm coming
- wait up for a moment
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Nightly Wait
Used when someone delays going to sleep to see or support another person.
Mom promised to wait up until I finished studying for my exam.
Pro Tip 2/3Caring Gesture
Implies concern for someone's well-being, showing you'll stay awake for them.
Don't rush. I'll wait up for you, drive safely.
Pro Tip 3/3Sincere Assurance
Offers comfort, suggesting that someone will not be alone upon return.
After her long trip, her husband said he'd wait up.
Pro Tip 1/3Nightly Wait
Used when someone delays going to sleep to see or support another person.
Mom promised to wait up until I finished studying for my exam.
Pro Tip 2/3Caring Gesture
Implies concern for someone's well-being, showing you'll stay awake for them.
Don't rush. I'll wait up for you, drive safely.
Pro Tip 3/3Sincere Assurance
Offers comfort, suggesting that someone will not be alone upon return.
After her long trip, her husband said he'd wait up.
Pro Tip 1/3Nightly Wait
Used when someone delays going to sleep to see or support another person.
Mom promised to wait up until I finished studying for my exam.
Pro Tip 2/3Caring Gesture
Implies concern for someone's well-being, showing you'll stay awake for them.
Don't rush. I'll wait up for you, drive safely.
Pro Tip 3/3Sincere Assurance
Offers comfort, suggesting that someone will not be alone upon return.
After her long trip, her husband said he'd wait up.
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