slow-up

[ sloh-uhp ]

noun

1. a delay or retardation in progress or activity; slowdown.

Word History and Origins

Origin of slow-up¹

First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase slow up

Idioms and Phrases

Slacken or cause to slacken in speed, as in The train slowed up as it approached the curve , or Come on, you're slowing me up . [Late 1800s] Also see slow down , def. 1.

Example Sentences

He loved to go fast, and when Mr. Harry spoke to him to slow up again, he tossed his head with impatience.

From Project Gutenberg

Give her a speed of fifteen per second—she'll have to slow up to land, can't make it under forty-five minutes.

From Project Gutenberg

But this was a record trip, and it would be beneath her dignity to slow up for every petty rowboat that hailed her.

From Project Gutenberg

Now and then the carts and wagons in the street were slow in turning out, and O'Hara had to slow up.

From Project Gutenberg

As had happened on its second appearance, the thing began to slow up and its color gradually faded as it drew directly overhead.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bog down
• embroil
• enmesh
• ensnare
• entangle
• flounder
• implicate
• involve
• stick
• tangle
• trap