1 C1 formal
(Legal/informal) To argue for a higher charge, greater penalty, or increased compensation.
"The prosecutor attempted to plead up the offense from manslaughter to murder."
inseparable
plead up
C1 formal inseparable transitive
To advocate or argue strongly for a higher value, compensation, or charge; the opposite direction of 'plead down.'
In plain English
To try hard to get a better (higher) outcome, like more money or a more serious charge, through argument.
What does "plead up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To plead in a direction that raises something higher.
Actually means
To try hard to get a better (higher) outcome, like more money or a more serious charge, through argument.
Usage tip
Far less established than 'plead down.' Encountered in legal and negotiating contexts but is not a standard dictionary entry. Some speakers use it informally to mean pleading earnestly for more of something.
Words that pair with "plead up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
damages settlement charge sentence claim
How to conjugate "plead up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
plead up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pleads up
he/she/it
Past simple
pleaded up
yesterday
Past participle
pleaded up
have + pp
-ing form
pleading up
continuous
Hear "plead up" in the wild
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