sit-up

American  

[sit-uhp] / ˈsɪtˌʌp /

noun

1. an exercise in which a person lies flat on the back, lifts the torso to a sitting position, and then lies flat again without changing the position of the legs: formerly done with the legs straight but now usually done with the knees bent.

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sit up British  

verb

1. to raise (oneself or another) from a recumbent to an upright or alert sitting posture

2. (intr) to remain out of bed and awake, esp until a late hour

3. informal (intr) to become suddenly interested or alert

   devaluation of the dollar made the money market sit up

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noun

1. Also: trunk curl.  a physical exercise in which the body is brought into a sitting position from one lying on the back

sit up Idioms  

1. Rise to a sitting position from lying down, as in The sick child sat up and asked for a drink of water . [Early 1200s]

2. Stay up later than usual, as in The nurse sat up with her all night long . [Mid-1500s]

3. Sit with the spine erect, as in She was always telling the students to sit up . [Early 1700s]

4. Become suddenly alert, as in The students sat up when he brought up the test . The same sense appears in the related sit up and take notice , as in When he mentioned the arrival of a movie star, they all sat up and took notice . [Late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of sit-up

First recorded in 1835–45; noun use of verb phrase sit up

Example Sentences

The test: Technically a curl-up, this exercise is a partial sit-up, done with your back in a C-shape and your arms crossed over your chest.

From Seattle Times

"A few things over the past few days have made people sit-up, realise the difficulties facing Rusal," an aluminium industry source said.

From Reuters

“We take a breath, and then when we do the sit-up, we exhale, and that relieves some of the pressure.”

From Scientific American

“What’s going on with you and Tyler?” she blurts out at sit-up twenty-two.

From Literature

She is a full-time wheelchair-user, is unable to sit-up unaided and her breathing muscles are paralysed.

From BBC

Related Words

• affect
• amuse
• appeal to
• attract
• concern
• engage
• engross
• entertain
• excite
• fascinate
• intrigue
• involve
• please
• tempt