stick up

USAGE SUMMARY

"stick up" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to mean "to hold something in an upright position" or "to prop something up for support". For example, "I used some books to stick up the shelf".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Stick up some pink motherfuckers.

The New Yorker

"To stick up for myself".

The Guardian

I stick up for people..

The Guardian - Opinion

A governor has to stick up for her state".

The New York Times

Ms. Cash learned to stick up for herself.

The New York Times - Books

And why wouldn't H. stick up for me?

The New Yorker

"To stick up your noddle was nearly always fatal".

The Economist

You don't have to stick up for me — it's O.K.

The New Yorker

"Stick up for that song!" a teacher called out.

The New Yorker

K.C.: I love women that stick up for other women.

The New York Times

Six spare reeds stick up behind the black tailfeathers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stick up" to mean 'rob at gunpoint', ensure the context clearly indicates this meaning to avoid ambiguity. For example, "They planned to "stick up" the local convenience store."

Common error

Avoid using "stick up" without context. It can mean 'to rob' or 'to support/defend'. Be specific: say "stick up for" to mean defend, or describe a robbery explicitly.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stick up" functions primarily as an action verb, denoting either an act of robbery or the act of defending someone. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "stick up" exhibits versatility, functioning as an action verb with distinct meanings, ranging from robbery to defense. Its informal register aligns with its frequent use in general and media contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. To avoid ambiguity, context is key when using "stick up", with alternatives like "rob at gunpoint", "defend", or "support" providing clarity. Remember to consider your audience and purpose when selecting the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand up for

Highlights the act of advocating for someone or something, especially against opposition.

hold up

Similar to "stick up" when referring to robbery; otherwise, means to delay or support something physically.

rob at gunpoint

Specifically refers to the act of theft using a firearm.

defend

Focuses on the act of protecting or supporting someone or something under attack.

champion

Suggests actively promoting and defending a cause or person.

support

Emphasizes providing assistance or approval to someone or something.

uphold

Highlights maintaining or defending a principle or law.

prop up

Focuses on physically supporting something to prevent it from falling.

put up

Means to display something by attaching it to a surface.

raise

Emphasizes the action of lifting something to a higher position.

FAQs

What does "stick up" mean?

The phrasal verb "stick up" has multiple meanings. It can mean to rob someone, usually at gunpoint, or it can mean to defend or support someone or something, as in "stick up for". It can also mean to attach something to a surface, like a poster.

How can I use "stick up for" in a sentence?

Use "stick up for" when you want to say that you are defending or supporting someone. For example, "It's important to "stick up for" your friends when they are being bullied."

What is a synonym for "stick up for"?

Alternatives to "stick up for" include "defend", "support", or "stand up for". Choose the synonym that best fits the context of your sentence.

Is it correct to say "stick up" instead of "rob"?

While "stick up" can mean "rob", it's more informal. In formal writing, it's better to use "rob". The phrase "rob at gunpoint" is even more precise if a weapon is involved.