1 C1 neutral
To become physically snagged or caught on something
"My fishing line hooked up on a submerged branch and snapped."
inseparable
hook up on
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To become caught on or obsessively focused on something; to snag on a physical obstacle
In plain English
Get stuck or caught on something, either physically or in your mind
What does "hook up on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For a hook to catch on an obstacle as something is being lifted or moved
Actually means
Get stuck or caught on something, either physically or in your mind
Usage tip
Rare. More commonly expressed as 'get hooked on' (for obsession with something) or 'snag on' (for physical catching). 'Hook up on' as a distinct phrasal verb is not widely attested and may be encountered only occasionally in informal speech.
Words that pair with "hook up on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
detail idea problem obstacle wire branch
How to conjugate "hook up on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hook up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hooks up on
he/she/it
Past simple
hooked up on
yesterday
Past participle
hooked up on
have + pp
-ing form
hooking up on
continuous
Hear "hook up on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hook up on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "hook up on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.