1 B1 idiomatic informal
To speak in defense of someone who is being criticized or bullied.
"When the other kids teased him, his sister always stuck up for him."
inseparable
stick up for
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To defend or support someone who is being criticized or treated unfairly.
In plain English
To say good things about someone or take their side when other people are being mean to them.
What does "stick up for" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To defend one's own rights or interests; to stand up for oneself.
"You need to learn to stick up for yourself instead of letting people walk over you."
inseparable
Usage tip
Commonly used in everyday speech. Often used reflexively: 'stick up for yourself.' More colloquial than 'stand up for.'
Words that pair with "stick up for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
yourself friend colleague rights someone them
How to conjugate "stick up for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stick up for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sticks up for
he/she/it
Past simple
stuck up for
yesterday
Past participle
stuck up for
have + pp
-ing form
sticking up for
continuous
Hear "stick up for" in the wild
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