grind up
B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To crush something into tiny pieces or powder using a machine or tool.
Literal meaning: To grind something completely upward — 'up' indicates full completion of the grinding process.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To reduce food, spices, or other substances to small pieces or a fine powder using a grinder or similar tool.
"Grind up the cumin and coriander seeds before adding them to the sauce."
Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral
To destroy or reduce something thoroughly by grinding — used more broadly beyond food.
"The industrial machine grinds up old tyres so the rubber can be recycled."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Very common in cooking and food preparation contexts. Also used in industrial and pharmaceutical contexts. 'Up' emphasizes the completeness of the action — grinding until fully reduced.
Commonly used with
coffee spices meat pills grain pepper
Forms
Base
grind up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
grinds up
he/she/it
Past simple
grinded up
yesterday
Past participle
grinded up
have + pp
-ing form
grinding up
continuous
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Synonyms
pulverize crush mill powder mince blend
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