1 B2 idiomatic informal
To give someone, or take oneself, a large amount of drugs — especially to sedate, manage pain, or gain an unfair advantage.
"The athlete was accused of doping up before the competition."
separable
dope up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To give or take a large amount of drugs, whether medicinal or illicit.
In plain English
To take a lot of drugs or medicine, or to give someone a lot of drugs.
What does "dope up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To take a lot of medication, especially to dull pain or induce sleepiness.
"She was completely doped up after the surgery and couldn't hold a conversation."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fill up with dope (drugs).
Actually means
To take a lot of drugs or medicine, or to give someone a lot of drugs.
Usage tip
Can be used reflexively ('dope yourself up') or with an object. Tone ranges from disapproving to neutral depending on context. Medicinal use (e.g., before surgery) can be described without strong negative tone.
Words that pair with "dope up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
painkillers medication athletes patients sedatives steroids
How to conjugate "dope up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dope up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dopes up
he/she/it
Past simple
doped up
yesterday
Past participle
doped up
have + pp
-ing form
doping up
continuous
Hear "dope up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "dope up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.