wait up

A2 informal inseparable intransitive

In simple words

To not go to sleep because you are waiting for someone to come home; or to shout 'slow down!' to someone walking away from you.

Literal meaning: To remain awake (up) while waiting — fairly transparent.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

very common

To stay awake, especially at night, in order to wait for someone to return home.

"Don't wait up for me — I'll be home very late after the concert."

Grammar: inseparable

2 A2 informal

very common

Used as an exclamation to ask someone to stop or slow down so you can catch up with them.

"Wait up! You're walking too fast — I can't keep up with you."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Used in two distinct contexts. The 'stay awake' sense is common in family settings ('Don't wait up for me'). The 'slow down' sense is used when calling to someone who is moving ahead of you. Both senses are common in British and American English.

Commonly used with

me us late night please

Forms

Base

wait up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

waits up

he/she/it

Past simple

waited up

yesterday

Past participle

waited up

have + pp

-ing form

waiting up

continuous

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Synonyms

stay up hold on slow down hang on keep awake

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