1 C1 idiomatic informal
To falsify or tamper with documents, evidence, or records dishonestly.
"The accountant was arrested for doctoring up the company's financial records."
separable
doctor up
C1 informal separable transitive
To alter, falsify, or improve something, often in a deceptive or unofficial way.
In plain English
To change something — a document, photo, or recipe — to make it seem better or different, sometimes dishonestly.
What does "doctor up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To improve or enhance food by adding seasoning, ingredients, or flavour.
"She doctored up the store-bought soup with fresh herbs and a splash of cream."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To treat something the way a doctor treats a patient — adjusting it to change its condition.
Actually means
To change something — a document, photo, or recipe — to make it seem better or different, sometimes dishonestly.
Usage tip
Can be used both negatively (falsifying documents) and positively (improving a recipe). The deceptive sense is more common. Often used in journalism and legal contexts. Also used casually to mean improving food by adding seasoning.
Words that pair with "doctor up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
documents evidence photo recipe report food
How to conjugate "doctor up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
doctor up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
doctors up
he/she/it
Past simple
doctored up
yesterday
Past participle
doctored up
have + pp
-ing form
doctoring up
continuous
Hear "doctor up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "doctor up"
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Keep exploring
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