man up
/mæn ˈʌp/
Word Rarity
Common
Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.72 in modern English
9
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
1
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To be brave or tough enough to deal with something in a manner that is considered strong or manly. (Compare man (“brace oneself, steel oneself”))
Intransitive verb
verb
(Of personnel) to assemble, each person manning (attending to) his station, prepared for the departure of an aircraft, ship, etc. (Compare man (“supply with staff; take up position to operate”).)
verb
To staff adequately; to staff up; to successfully fill all needed labor positions. (Compare man (“supply with staff”).)
verb
To vigorously guard the opponent to whom one is assigned.
Example Sentences
- "I was wondering when he would man up and marry that girl he knocked up."
- "You need to man up and confront your boss about her behavior."
- "Hey son, man up, okay? There will be time for tears later."
- "Or do you also have to wait for some veteran civil servant to tell you whether or not you put your pants on the right way round this morning? Honestly mate, just MAN UP. […] Speaking of manning up, I wonder if the organisers managed to find any ladies to attend this 20 May party?"
- "They must be athletic enough to man up on a solid number two receiver and yet be physical enough to step into the line scrimmage and tackle a running back."
- "He will man up on his opponent whenever his opponent has the ball."