1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To prepare a formal document, plan, or list.
"The solicitor drew up a new will for the elderly couple."
separable
draw up
B1 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive
To prepare a formal document, or for a vehicle to stop at a place.
In plain English
To write an official document like a contract or plan, or when a car stops somewhere.
What does "draw up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
For a vehicle to arrive at a place and stop.
"A black limousine drew up outside the hotel entrance."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To straighten yourself to your full height, usually to appear confident or commanding.
"She drew herself up to her full height and faced her accusers."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pull something upward.
Actually means
To write an official document like a contract or plan, or when a car stops somewhere.
Usage tip
The 'prepare a document' sense is very common in legal, business, and formal contexts. The 'vehicle stopping' sense is common in British English and literary writing.
Words that pair with "draw up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
contract list plan will agreement vehicle
How to conjugate "draw up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
draw up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
draws up
he/she/it
Past simple
drew up
yesterday
Past participle
drawn up
have + pp
-ing form
drawing up
continuous
Hear "draw up" in the wild
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Keep exploring
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