Used when preparing for a future event or necessity, often implying urgency or foresight. They stocked up on canned goods before the hurricane hit.
Pro Tip 2/3
Collocation variety
Can be followed by different prepositions like 'on', 'with', or 'for' depending on what follows the verb. We stocked up with extra blankets for the cold nights.
Pro Tip 3/3
Non-specific quantity
Implies acquiring a lot of something, but the exact amount is not specified and is subjective. I need to stock up on coffee - we're almost out.