1 B2 neutral
To remove a plant, tree, or shrub from the ground completely by pulling it up by the roots.
"The farmer rooted up the old hedgerow to create a larger field."
separable
root up
B2 neutral separable transitive
To pull a plant or tree up from the ground completely, removing it by its roots.
In plain English
To pull a plant out of the ground, roots and all, so it can't grow back.
What does "root up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
(Figurative) To destroy or remove something completely, including its origins or foundation.
"They vowed to root up every last trace of the old system."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To remove a plant upward by its roots — fully transparent.
Actually means
To pull a plant out of the ground, roots and all, so it can't grow back.
Usage tip
More common in British English. Primarily used in farming, gardening, and forestry contexts. Less common than 'root out' and 'pull up'. When used figuratively (rarely), it implies completely destroying the source of something. Usually refers to trees, hedges, or established plants.
Words that pair with "root up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
trees hedge shrubs weeds crops stumps plants
How to conjugate "root up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
root up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
roots up
he/she/it
Past simple
rooted up
yesterday
Past participle
rooted up
have + pp
-ing form
rooting up
continuous
Hear "root up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "root up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.