gunk up
C1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To fill something with sticky, dirty stuff so it stops working properly.
Literal meaning: To fill something up with gunk (sticky, dirty matter).
Meanings
1 C1 informal
To make a machine, pipe, or mechanism dirty and clogged with a sticky or greasy substance so it no longer functions well.
"Years of cooking grease have really gunked up the kitchen exhaust fan."
Grammar: separable
2 C1 informal
To make something messy or sticky in general, even outside a mechanical context.
"Don't let the kids gunk up the keyboard with their snacks."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily North American informal usage. 'Gunk' as a noun refers to any unpleasant sticky or greasy substance. Often used for mechanical parts, drains, or filters.
Commonly used with
drain filter engine pipe nozzle carburetor
Forms
Base
gunk up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gunks up
he/she/it
Past simple
gunked up
yesterday
Past participle
gunked up
have + pp
-ing form
gunking up
continuous
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