draw up

British  

verb

1. to come or cause to come to a halt

2. (tr)

   1. to prepare a draft of (a legal document)

   2. to formulate and write out in appropriate form

      to draw up a contract

3. (used reflexively) to straighten oneself

4. to form or arrange (a body of soldiers, etc) in order or formation

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draw up Idioms  

1. Compose or write out in a set form, as in The lawyer drew up the contract . [First half of 1600s]

2. Arrange in order or formation, put in position, as in The band-leader drew up his players , or The officer drew up the troops . [c. 1600]

3. Bring or come to a halt, as in The car drew up to the curb . [Early 1800s]

4. draw oneself up . Assume an erect posture to express dignity or indignation. For example, She drew herself up and protested . [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

The French and German defence ministries are set to draw up a plan for defence cooperation "focused on a few realistic and relevant projects" at a forthcoming meeting, the official added.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

This means one can draw up a useful list of indicators of consciousness without having to agree on which of the current cognitive theories of consciousness is correct.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2026

Twin hip motors draw up to 1,000 watts to power the carbon-fiber arms that apply force to your leg.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Ask someone with imagination to draw up a workforce housing model.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

One morning the hand did not come out to draw up the basket.

From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner

Related Words

• formulate
• prepare
• write