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stick up for

B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To say good things about someone or take their side when other people are being mean to them.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Commonly used in everyday speech. Often used reflexively: 'stick up for yourself.' More colloquial than 'stand up for.'

Commonly used with

yourself friend colleague rights someone them

Forms

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

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