work up

/wərk əp/

/wək əp/

Other forms: worked up; working up; works up

Definitions of work up

1. verb

   form or accumulate steadily
   synonyms: build, build up, progress

   build

   develop and grow

   build, build up, ramp up

   bolster or strengthen

   type of:

   develop

   grow, progress, unfold, or evolve through a process of evolution, natural growth, differentiation, or a conducive environment
2. verb

   develop
   “we worked up an as of an appetite”

   synonyms: get up

   type of:

   acquire, develop, get, grow, produce

   come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes)
3. verb

   bolster or strengthen
   “We worked up courage”

   synonyms: build, build up, ramp up

   build, build up, progress

   form or accumulate steadily

   type of:

   increase

   make bigger or more
4. verb

   come up with
   “We worked up an ad for our client”

   synonyms: work out

   elaborate, work out

   work out in detail

   type of:

   develop, make grow

   cause to grow and differentiate in ways conforming to its natural development