Pull up Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pull up

[ˈpʊl ʌp ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

To move something upwards or to a higher position.

Synonyms

elevate, hoist, raise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pull up	This phrase is often used to describe moving something or someone upwards or bringing a vehicle to a stop. Common in informal situations. Can you pull up your chair so we can talk? The driver pulled up in front of the building.
raise	Often used to describe moving something to a higher position, bringing up children, or increasing amounts, such as money or numbers. Raise your hand if you have a question. They raise money for charity every year.
elevate	Used in more formal contexts to denote lifting something to a higher position or increasing its level, often figuratively. We need to elevate the patient's leg to reduce swelling. Her speech served to elevate the mood of the entire event.
hoist	This word refers specifically to lifting something heavy with the help of equipment like a rope or pulley. It can also be used in nautical settings. They hoist the sails early in the morning. The workers used a crane to hoist the steel beams.

Examples of usage

He pulled up a chair for me to sit on.
She pulled up the blinds to let in more light.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

In sports, 'pulling up' can refer to stopping short to avoid injury or to conserve energy.
The phrase is commonly heard in youth culture and urban environments, often associated with lifting others up or encouraging them.

Technology

'Pull up' is used in computer terminology to describe the action of retrieving data, like popping up a new window or document.
In gaming, 'pulling up' can refer to raising a character or an item for better performance.

Psychology

Psychologically, 'pull up' can serve as a metaphor for overcoming adversity, illustrating how we can rise above challenges.
It also relates to social support, emphasizing the importance of helping friends during difficult times.

Fitness

In exercise, a 'pull-up' is a strength training movement where one pulls their body up using a bar to build muscle.
Pull-ups are often used to test upper body strength in physical fitness assessments.

Origin of 'pull up'

Main points about word origin

The phrase 'pull up' combines 'pull', meaning to tug or draw towards oneself, and 'up', indicating direction.
The term has been in use since the early 19th century, reflecting physical actions.
Interestingly, 'pull up' has evolved to mean various things, including expressing annoyance at someone for a mistake, or stopping a vehicle.

The term 'pull up' originated from the combination of the words 'pull' and 'up', both of which have Old English roots. 'Pull' comes from the Old English word 'pullian', meaning to tug or draw, while 'up' is derived from the Old English 'ūp', which signifies a higher position. The phrase 'pull up' has been used for centuries to describe the action of moving something upwards.