Work up
verb
To develop or create something.
He worked up a proposal for the new project
Often appears as...
- work up a plan
- work up a proposal
phrasal verb
To cause someone to become excited or agitated.
Don't work up the dog or he'll start barking.
Often appears as...
- work up the crowd
- work up a child
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To increase something gradually, such as effort or intensity.
You must work up your speed gradually if you want to run a marathon.
Often appears as...
- work up speed
- work up intensity
phrasal verb
To cause or to feel a strong emotion or response.
I worked up the courage to ask for a raise.
Often appears as...
- %work up courage
- work up confidence
verb
In medicine, refers to diagnostic efforts made to understand an illness or disorder.
The doctors are trying to work up her case to understand her symptoms.
Often appears as...
- work up a case
- work up an illness
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
verb
To develop or create something.
He worked up a proposal for the new project
Often appears as...
- work up a plan
- work up a proposal
phrasal verb
To cause someone to become excited or agitated.
Don't work up the dog or he'll start barking.
Often appears as...
- work up the crowd
- work up a child
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To increase something gradually, such as effort or intensity.
You must work up your speed gradually if you want to run a marathon.
Often appears as...
- work up speed
- work up intensity
phrasal verb
To cause or to feel a strong emotion or response.
I worked up the courage to ask for a raise.
Often appears as...
- %work up courage
- work up confidence
verb
In medicine, refers to diagnostic efforts made to understand an illness or disorder.
The doctors are trying to work up her case to understand her symptoms.
Often appears as...
- work up a case
- work up an illness
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/2Business Context
Used when initiating or formalizing business ideas and steps.
She worked up a complete business model overnight.
Pro Tip 2/2Starting Point
Indicates the beginning phase of creating something substantial.
Work up a basic concept before the meeting.
Pro Tip 1/2Business Context
Used when initiating or formalizing business ideas and steps.
She worked up a complete business model overnight.
Pro Tip 2/2Starting Point
Indicates the beginning phase of creating something substantial.
Work up a basic concept before the meeting.
Pro Tip 1/2Business Context
Used when initiating or formalizing business ideas and steps.
She worked up a complete business model overnight.
Pro Tip 2/2Starting Point
Indicates the beginning phase of creating something substantial.
Work up a basic concept before the meeting.
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