1 C1 idiomatic informal
To create a false or forged document, story, or piece of evidence.
"He faked up a medical certificate to explain his absence from work."
separable
fake up
C1 informal separable transitive
To fabricate, forge, or put together something false in order to deceive.
In plain English
To make something fake and pretend it is real.
What does "fake up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To assemble or put together something in a hasty or improvised way, often with the intention to deceive.
"The props team faked up a convincing-looking ancient scroll for the film set."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To build upward something that is false.
Actually means
To make something fake and pretend it is real.
Usage tip
Relatively rare and considered old-fashioned or British in flavour. Found more in older literature than in modern speech. Used when someone produces a counterfeit document, story, or appearance.
Words that pair with "fake up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
document alibi story report evidence excuse
How to conjugate "fake up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fake up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fakes up
he/she/it
Past simple
faked up
yesterday
Past participle
faked up
have + pp
-ing form
faking up
continuous
Hear "fake up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fake up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "fake up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
concoct fabricate falsify forge invent manufacture
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.