stock up
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To buy a lot of something so you have plenty for later.
Literal meaning: To increase one's stock of something.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To buy or gather a large quantity of something in advance, especially before a shortage or period of high demand.
"People stocked up on bottled water before the hurricane hit."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
For a retailer to replenish their inventory with new goods.
"The shop stocked up on Christmas decorations at the start of November."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in everyday English. Usually followed by 'on': 'stock up on food/supplies.' Implies a deliberate act of preparation. Common before holidays, storms, or expected shortages.
Commonly used with
food supplies medicine groceries fuel essentials
Forms
Base
stock up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stocks up
he/she/it
Past simple
stocked up
yesterday
Past participle
stocked up
have + pp
-ing form
stocking up
continuous
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