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

News of the controversy online spurred some to speak up in favor of the design.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, back in extroverted open offices, they’re doing something rare: speaking up.

From The Wall Street Journal

We do not get to sit in the dressing room so never truly know what goes on, but do players feel able to speak up?

From BBC

It came after a difficult few years for the show, with a number of former celebrity contestants speaking up about their negative experiences on Strictly.

From BBC

It prompts other team members to drop out of the discussion or withhold information, fearing that they will be belittled if they speak up.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• sound off