1 B1 informal
To reduce speed or rate of movement
"Slow up a bit — I can barely keep up with you."
inseparable
slow up
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To reduce speed or progress, used interchangeably with 'slow down' though less frequent
In plain English
To go more slowly or to make something go more slowly
What does "slow up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To cause something or someone to reduce speed or slow their progress
"The extra paperwork has slowed the whole application process up."
separable
Usage tip
More common in American English than British. Functionally synonymous with 'slow down' but considered slightly informal or colloquial. Less common in formal writing.
Words that pair with "slow up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
car pace traffic production progress runner
How to conjugate "slow up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slow up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slows up
he/she/it
Past simple
slowed up
yesterday
Past participle
slowed up
have + pp
-ing form
slowing up
continuous
Hear "slow up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "slow up"
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