1 B2 neutral
To bind an injured body part tightly with a bandage or strap to provide support and limit movement.
"The team doctor strapped up his ankle so he could finish the game."
separable
strap up
B2 neutral separable transitive
To bind an injured joint or limb tightly with a strap or bandage for support.
In plain English
To wrap up a hurt part of your body tightly so it doesn't move around too much.
What does "strap up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To fasten or secure a bag, parcel, or piece of luggage tightly using straps.
"He strapped up his suitcase with an extra belt in case the zip broke."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bind something completely using a strap — mostly transparent.
Actually means
To wrap up a hurt part of your body tightly so it doesn't move around too much.
Usage tip
Common in British English, especially in sports contexts. A physiotherapist or doctor might 'strap up' a sprained ankle or knee. Also used for fastening bags or packages with straps.
Words that pair with "strap up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
ankle knee wrist shoulder injury joint
How to conjugate "strap up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
strap up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
straps up
he/she/it
Past simple
straped up
yesterday
Past participle
straped up
have + pp
-ing form
straping up
continuous
Hear "strap up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "strap up"
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