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 his admission work-up, Dr. Riordan wrote that my dad had “loss of sensation on the ulnar aspect of both hands… and he has had recurrent bouts of neuritis. I think he will benefit by having an ulnar nerve transposition.”
From Salon
After a youth enters a clinic, they undergo a diagnostic phase that lasts at least six months, during which time there’s an intensive work-up involving detailed questionnaires and dialogue between the young person and a mental health support team.
From Salon
A fertility work-up suggested that the couple would have no trouble conceiving the old-fashioned way.
From Slate
Neurology was consulted and did an extensive work-up: blood tests, CT scans, an M.R.I., an EEG, a spinal tap.
From New York Times
Trump has actually produced a work-up.
From Slate
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.
