1 B2 idiomatic informal
To parody or satirise someone or something in an exaggerated, comic way.
"The sketch brilliantly sends up the pomposity of reality TV talent shows."
separable
send up
B2 informal separable transitive
To parody or mock someone/something with humour, or to send something physically upward.
In plain English
To make fun of someone or something by imitating them in an exaggerated, funny way.
What does "send up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To send something physically upward, or to launch something into the air.
"They sent up a flare to signal their position to the rescue helicopter."
separable
3 C1 idiomatic informal
(British informal, dated) To send someone to prison.
"He was sent up for three years after pleading guilty to the fraud."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically move something upward — the idiomatic leap to 'parody' is significant.
Actually means
To make fun of someone or something by imitating them in an exaggerated, funny way.
Usage tip
The parody sense is primarily British English. Common in comedy writing and performance. The noun 'send-up' is widely used.
Words that pair with "send up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
politician celebrity institution film accent style
How to conjugate "send up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
send up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sends up
he/she/it
Past simple
sent up
yesterday
Past participle
sent up
have + pp
-ing form
sending up
continuous
Hear "send up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "send up"
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