crock up

C1 informal separable both

In simple words

To get sick or hurt and stop working properly, like a machine that breaks.

Literal meaning: 'Crock' historically referred to a broken-down old pot or horse; 'up' intensifies the idea of being ruined or finished.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

rare

To become ill or physically unable to function, especially suddenly.

"The veteran player crocked up in the final quarter with a torn ligament."

Grammar: inseparable

2 C1 idiomatic informal

rare

To injure a part of someone's body, putting them out of action.

"He crocked up his shoulder trying to lift the heavy equipment."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Primarily British English. Used informally to describe physical collapse, illness, or injury. Less common in American English. Can be used reflexively ('he crocked up his knee') or intransitively ('she crocked up after the marathon').

Commonly used with

knee back injury illness athlete

Forms

Base

crock up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

crocks up

he/she/it

Past simple

crocked up

yesterday

Past participle

crocked up

have + pp

-ing form

crocking up

continuous

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Synonyms

break down fall apart give out wear out cave in pack in

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