1 C1 idiomatic informal
For a device or system to malfunction or stop working correctly.
"The air conditioning fritzed up on the hottest day of the year."
inseparable
fritz up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
An informal, less common variant of 'fritz out': for something to malfunction or go wrong.
In plain English
When something goes wrong or stops working properly.
What does "fritz up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Much rarer than 'fritz out'. Used informally in American English. Some speakers use it as a transitive verb meaning to ruin or break something. Not standard; ESL learners should prefer 'fritz out' or 'break down'.
Words that pair with "fritz up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
machine system device engine
How to conjugate "fritz up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fritz up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fritzes up
he/she/it
Past simple
fritzed up
yesterday
Past participle
fritzed up
have + pp
-ing form
fritzing up
continuous
Hear "fritz up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fritz up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "fritz up"
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