Run up
verb
To increase rapidly.
The costs of construction have run up significantly in recent years.
Often appears as...
- run up costs
- run up prices
verb
To accumulate a large bill or debt.
Bob ran up a huge bill at the bar last night.
Often appears as...
- run up a bill
- run up a debt
verb
To approach someone or something quickly.
The dog ran up to the stranger wagging its tail.
Often appears as...
- run up to someone
- run up to something
verb
To raise a flag quickly.
They ran up the flag as soon as they captured the fort.
Usage tips
Approving
Technical
verb
To sew something quickly.
She ran up a pair of curtains in no time.
Often appears as...
- run up a dress
- run up curtains
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To increase rapidly.
The costs of construction have run up significantly in recent years.
Often appears as...
- run up costs
- run up prices
verb
To accumulate a large bill or debt.
Bob ran up a huge bill at the bar last night.
Often appears as...
- run up a bill
- run up a debt
verb
To approach someone or something quickly.
The dog ran up to the stranger wagging its tail.
Often appears as...
- run up to someone
- run up to something
verb
To raise a flag quickly.
They ran up the flag as soon as they captured the fort.
Usage tips
Approving
Technical
verb
To sew something quickly.
She ran up a pair of curtains in no time.
Often appears as...
- run up a dress
- run up curtains
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/2Economic Context
Used to describe quick increases in financial figures like expenses and costs.
The company's debts ran up rapidly due to poor management.
Pro Tip 2/2Quantitative Change
Implies a significant quantitative change, not just a minor one.
The game's popularity ran up the number of online players.
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