speak up
Britishverb
-
to speak more loudly
-
to state one's beliefs, objections, etc, bravely and firmly
-
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.
-
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]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Get your cell phones out — record what you see. Put it on social media. Peacefully ask for badge numbers and identification. Speak up for your neighbors,” the governor posted on social media.
From Salon • Sep. 30, 2025
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
Speak up on set Once you’ve found a place as a production assistant, Guiney said, you should make it known that you’re interested in learning more about what gaffers do and how to become one.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2021
"Speak up, you clotted carbuncle!" roared the Trunchbull.
From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
