work-up
Americannoun
verb
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to arouse the feelings of; excite
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to cause to grow or develop
to work up a hunger
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(also preposition) to move or cause to move gradually upwards
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to manipulate or mix into a specified object or shape
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to gain knowledge of or skill at (a subject)
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Arouse emotions; see worked up .
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Increase one's skill, status, or responsibility through effort, as in He worked up to 30 sit-ups a day , or She worked up to bank manager . Also see work one's way . [Second half of 1600s]
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Intensify gradually, as in The film worked up to a thrilling climax . [Second half of 1600s]
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Develop or produce by effort, as in Swimming always works up an appetite . [Second half of 1600s]
Etymology
Origin of work-up
Noun use of verb phrase work up
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.
In detail and sweep, “Emily” nevertheless shares many of the handsome, cozily inviting essentials of a standard biographical work-up.
From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2023
When Warren first met her now-husband, she sent him for a full lab work-up, HSV test included.
From Slate • Aug. 1, 2022
Five weeks after her NIH work-up, Chiancone’s illness was identified and she began treatment that has largely restored her health.
From Washington Post • May 14, 2022
Again, doctors postponed surgery to allow for further work-up of the adrenal nodule, which was ultimately found to be benign.
From New York Times • Nov. 15, 2021
When she sought an abortion, a work-up revealed a 24-week fetus with extreme anomalies and an unusually large placenta.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 6, 2019
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.
