mask up
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Put a mask on your face to protect yourself or others.
Meanings
1 B1 informal
To put on a face mask as a public health measure or for safety protection.
"The sign at the hospital entrance told everyone to mask up before going inside."
"Mask up. It's not about your rights, it's about protecting other people."
— Joe Biden, public address on COVID-19 safety guidelines, 2020
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Became widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 onwards) as a public health instruction. Also used in industrial or hazardous work environments. Can be used as a direct command: 'Mask up!' The frequency of this phrase increased dramatically after 2020.
Commonly used with
COVID pandemic protocol everyone inside mandate
Forms
Base
mask up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
masks up
he/she/it
Past simple
masked up
yesterday
Past participle
masked up
have + pp
-ing form
masking up
continuous
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Synonyms
put on a mask wear a mask cover your face don a mask
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