Main Entry: catch up

Function: verb

Date: 14th century

transitive verb

1 a : to pick up often abruptly <the thief caught the purse up and ran> b : ensnare, entangle <education has been caught up in a stultifying mythology — N. M. Pusey> c : enthrall <the…public was caught up in the car's magic — D. A. Jedlicka>
2 : to provide with the latest information <catch me up on the news>intransitive verb 1 a : to travel fast enough to overtake an advance party b : to reach a state of parity or of being able to cope <students who miss class have difficulty catching up>
2 : to bring about arrest for illicit activities <the police caught up with the thieves>
3 a : to complete or compensate for something belatedly <catch up on lost sleep> b : to acquire belated information <catch up on the news>