follow-up

[ fol-oh-uhp ]

noun

1. the act of following up.
2. an action or thing that serves to increase the effectiveness of a previous one, as a second or subsequent letter, phone call, or visit.
3. Also called follow. Journalism.
   1. a news story providing additional information on a story or article previously published.
   2. Also called sidebar, a minor news story used to supplement a related story of major importance. Compare feature story ( def 1 ), human-interest story, shirttail.

adjective

1. designed or serving to follow up, especially to increase the effectiveness of a previous action:

   a follow-up interview; a follow-up offer.

2. of or relating to action that follows an initial treatment, course of study, etc.:

   follow-up care for mental patients; a follow-up survey.

follow up

verb

1. to pursue or investigate (a person, evidence, etc) closely
2. to continue (action) after a beginning, esp to increase its effect

noun

1. 1. something done to reinforce an initial action
   2. ( as modifier )

      a follow-up letter

2. med a routine examination of a patient at various intervals after medical or surgical treatment

Word History and Origins

Origin of follow-up¹

First recorded in 1920–25; noun, adj. use of verb phrase follow up

Example Sentences

The follow-up story is how those who survived both the competitive onslaught, as well as the recession, have adapted.

From The Daily Beast

An attorney was asked to follow up, but no records indicate what happened next.

From The Daily Beast

This is where Schwarz comes in: to quell concerns, advise about procedures, and follow up with loved ones.

From The Daily Beast

Adult Swim airs ‘In Search of Miracle Man,’ its follow up to ‘Too Many Cooks,’ the deranged late-night comedy clip gone viral.

From The Daily Beast

“She fought so Damn hard,” the poster added in a follow-up comment.

From The Daily Beast

It was not my good fortune to be allowed to follow up my plans, which almost warranted a certainty of success.

From Project Gutenberg

It was plain that Bruce would instantly follow up his victory, and already there was anxiety on the Border.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not wonder you thought it worth your while to follow up the pair, if one of them is named Adams and the other Eva.

From Project Gutenberg

Old Max looked round triumphantly, and proceeded to follow up the impression thus made.

From Project Gutenberg

Though the house was victorious, its dignity suffered so greatly in the conflict that it forbore to follow up its victory.

From Project Gutenberg