speak up

British  

verb

1. to speak more loudly

2. to state one's beliefs, objections, etc, bravely and firmly

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speak up Idioms  

1. Also, speak out . Talk loudly, so as to be heard, as in Speak up, child, I can't hear you , or He should speak out so that those in back can hear him . The first term dates from the early 1700s, the variant from the early 1500s.

2. Also, speak up for . Express one's opinion or one's support for someone or something. For example, When it comes to speaking up about the town's needs, you can rely on Mary , or I'm glad you spoke up for me in that meeting . [c. 1700]

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Example Sentences

For the first time, universities across the country are largely failing to do one of the only things they can in a situation like this: Speak up for the students they are failing to protect.

From Salon • Oct. 2, 2025

Speak up and find out why your child is being disciplined, Powell said, and lean into your community.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2023

Speak up if something isn’t working for you—and know that every trainer won’t be right for every exerciser.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2023

There’s one message Elizabeth Leiba has for Black women at work: Speak up.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2023

People often told me, “Why do you let people talk to you that way? Speak up for yourself,” but I didn’t have the courage to do so.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

Related Words

• sound off