set up

set up

verb

Definition of SET UP

transitive verb

1

a : to raise to and place in a high position b : to place in view : post c : to put forward (as a plan) for acceptance

2

a : to place upright : erect <set up a statue> b : to assemble the parts of and erect in position c : to put (a machine) in readiness or adjustment for an operation

3

a : cause, create <set up a clamor> b : bring about

4

: to place in power or in office <set up the general as dictator>

5

a : to raise from depression : elate, gratify b : to make proud or vain

6

a : to put forward or extol as a model b : to claim oneself to be <sets himself up as an authority>

7

: found, inaugurate

8

a : to provide with means of making a living <set him up in business> b : to bring or restore to normal health c : to cause (one) to take on a soldierly or athletic appearance especially through drill

9

: to erect (a perpendicular or a figure) on a base in a drawing

10

a : to make taut (a stay or hawser) b : to tighten firmly

11

: to make carefully worked out plans for <set up a bank robbery>

12

a : to pay for (drinks) b : to treat (someone) to something

13

a : to put in a compromising or dangerous position usually by trickery or deceit b : frame 3

14

: to execute one or more plays in preparation for scoring

intransitive verb

1

: to come into active operation or use

2

: to begin business

3

: to make pretensions <has never set up to be a wise man — Thomas Rogers>

4

: to become firm or consolidated

— set up housekeeping

: to establish one's living quarters

— set up shop

: to establish one's business

Examples of SET UP

1. <set up tables in the living room for the party>
2. <set up a scholarship fund for deserving students from the inner city>

First Known Use of SET UP

13th century

Related to SET UP

Synonyms: depose, deposit, dispose, emplace, fix, lay, position, put, set, place, situate, stick

Antonyms: close (down), phase out, shut (up)

Related Words: move, rearrange, reorder, shift; orient; establish, locate, plant, settle; clap, flop, plank, plop, plump, plunk (or plonk), plunk down, slap; ensconce, niche; assemble, collect; carry; berth, park; affix, anchor, lock, lodge, wedge; array, lay out, line up, queue, rank; set down

Near Antonyms: relocate, remove, take; banish; dislodge, displace, replace, supersede, supplant

see all synonyms and antonyms

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