Definitions for the word "up" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. adv.
Aloft; on high; in a direction contrary to that of gravity; toward or in a higher place or position; above; -- the opposite of down.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. adv.
From a lower to a higher position, literally or figuratively; as, from a recumbent or sitting position; from the mouth, toward the source, of a river; from a dependent or inferior condition; from concealment; from younger age; from a quiet state, or the like; -- used with verbs of motion expressed or implied.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. adv.
In a higher place or position, literally or figuratively; in the state of having arisen; in an upright, or nearly upright, position; standing; mounted on a horse; in a condition of elevation, prominence, advance, proficiency, excitement, insurrection, or the like; -- used with verbs of rest, situation, condition, and the like; as, to be up on a hill; the lid of the box was up; prices are up.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. adv.
To or in a position of equal advance or equality; not short of, back of, less advanced than, away from, or the like; -- usually followed by to or with; as, to be up to the chin in water; to come up with one's companions; to come up with the enemy; to live up to engagements.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. adv.
To or in a state of completion; completely; wholly; quite; as, in the phrases to eat up; to drink up; to burn up; to sum up; etc.; to shut up the eyes or the mouth; to sew up a rent.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. adv.
Aside, so as not to be in use; as, to lay up riches; put up your weapons.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. prep.
From a lower to a higher place on, upon, or along; at a higher situation upon; at the top of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. prep.
From the coast towards the interior of, as a country; from the mouth towards the source of, as a stream; as, to journey up the country; to sail up the Hudson.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. prep.
Upon.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
The state of being up or above; a state of elevation, prosperity, or the like; -- rarely occurring except in the phrase ups and downs.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. a.
Inclining up; tending or going up; upward; as, an up look; an up grade; the up train.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. adv.
1 at, in, or towards a higher place or a place regarded as higher, e.g. The north, a capital or a university (up in the air; up in scotland; went up to london; came up in 1989). 2 a to or in an erect or required position or condition (stood it up; wound up the watch). B in or into an active condition (stirred up trouble; the hunt is up). 3 in a stronger or leading position (three goals up; am £10 up; is well up in class). 4 to a specified place, person, or time (a child came up to me; fine up till now). 5 higher in price or value (our costs are up; shares are up). 6 a completely (burn up; eat up). B more loudly or clearly (speak up). 7 completed (time is up). 8 into a compact, accumulated, or secure state (pack up; save up; tie up). 9 out of bed, having risen (are you up yet?; sun is up). 10 happening, esp. Unusually (something is up). 11 (usu. Foll. By before) appearing for trial etc. (up before the magistrate). 12 (of a road etc.) Being repaired. 13 (of a jockey) in the saddle. prep. 1 upwards and along, through, or into (climbed up the ladder; went up the road). 2 from the bottom to the top of. 3 a at or in a higher part of (is up the street). B towards the source of (a river). adj. 1 directed upwards (up stroke). 2 of travel towards a capital or centre (the up train). n. Spell of good fortune. v. (-pp-) 1 colloq. Start, esp. Abruptly, to speak or act (upped and hit him). 2 raise (upped their prices). be all up with be hopeless for (a person). On the up (or up and up) colloq. Steadily improving. Up against 1 close to. 2 in or into contact with. 3 colloq. Confronted with (a problem etc.).
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
13. slang
“to be UP to a thing or two,” to be knowing, or understanding; “to
put a man UP to a move,” to teach him a trick; “it’s all UP with him,”
_i.e._, it is all over with him; when pronounced U.P., naming the two
letters separately, means settled, or done UP. “UP a tree,” _see_ TREE.
“UP to snuff,” wide awake, acquainted with the last new move; “UP to
one’s gossip,” to be a match for one who is trying to take you in; “UP
to slum,” proficient in roguery, capable of committing a theft
successfully; “what’s UP?” what is the matter? what is the news?
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
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