1 B2 idiomatic informal
To verbally defend or support someone who is being blamed, criticized, or attacked.
"Nobody else said a word, but Maria took up for her colleague when the manager was being unfair."
inseparable
take up for
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To defend or support someone who is being criticized or mistreated.
In plain English
To speak up and defend someone when other people are being mean about them.
What does "take up for" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Primarily used in Southern American English. Less common in British or other varieties. In standard dialects, 'stand up for' or 'stick up for' are more widely understood equivalents.
Words that pair with "take up for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
friend colleague accused underdog sibling
How to conjugate "take up for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take up for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes up for
he/she/it
Past simple
took up for
yesterday
Past participle
taken up for
have + pp
-ing form
taking up for
continuous
Hear "take up for" in the wild
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Other ways to say "take up for"
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