1 C1 informal
To apply camouflage paint to one's face and body, or put on camouflage gear, before a military operation, hunt, or similar activity.
"The hunters camo'd up before heading into the woods at first light."
separable
camo up
C1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To put on camouflage paint or clothing so as to blend into a natural or tactical environment.
In plain English
To cover yourself in green and brown paint or clothes so animals or enemies can't see you.
What does "camo up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
(Informal/humorous) To wear camouflage-pattern clothing as a fashion choice.
"He camo'd up for the music festival and nobody could find him in the crowd."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To put camouflage on yourself.
Actually means
To cover yourself in green and brown paint or clothes so animals or enemies can't see you.
Usage tip
Used in military, hunting, paintball, and airsoft contexts. More widely used than 'cammy up'. Sometimes used humorously to describe wearing camouflage-patterned fashion.
Words that pair with "camo up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
face hunters soldiers paintball players forest unit
How to conjugate "camo up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
camo up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
camos up
he/she/it
Past simple
camoed up
yesterday
Past participle
camoed up
have + pp
-ing form
camoing up
continuous
Hear "camo up" in the wild
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