1 C1 idiomatic informal
To become ill or physically unable to function, especially suddenly.
"The veteran player crocked up in the final quarter with a torn ligament."
inseparable
crock up
C1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To become ill, injured, or broken; to cause someone to break down physically or mentally.
In plain English
To get sick or hurt and stop working properly, like a machine that breaks.
What does "crock up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To injure a part of someone's body, putting them out of action.
"He crocked up his shoulder trying to lift the heavy equipment."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Crock' historically referred to a broken-down old pot or horse; 'up' intensifies the idea of being ruined or finished.
Actually means
To get sick or hurt and stop working properly, like a machine that breaks.
Usage tip
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').
Words that pair with "crock up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
knee back injury illness athlete
How to conjugate "crock up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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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