To gather or summon an inner resource, such as courage or energy, often with difficulty.
To force yourself to find courage or energy when it is hard.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To gather enough courage, strength, or willpower to do something difficult.
"She finally mustered up the courage to ask her boss for a raise."
He mustered up his courage and went in.
— Ernest Hemingway, 'A Farewell to Arms' (1929)
To gather or assemble people or resources, especially with effort.
"The team could only muster up five volunteers for the event."
To produce or show something, such as a smile or interest, even when you do not feel it naturally.
"He mustered up a weak smile despite his disappointment."
To assemble soldiers (muster) and bring them up to full strength — originally a military term.
To force yourself to find courage or energy when it is hard.
Almost always used with abstract nouns: courage, strength, enthusiasm, energy, a smile. The particle 'up' reinforces the idea of collecting something together. Common in both British and American English.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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