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slow up

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

To go more slowly or to make something go more slowly

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To reduce speed or rate of movement

"Slow up a bit — I can barely keep up with you."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

More common in American English than British. Functionally synonymous with 'slow down' but considered slightly informal or colloquial. Less common in formal writing.

Commonly used with

car pace traffic production progress runner

Forms

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

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Synonyms

slow down decelerate ease up reduce speed brake hold back

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