bring up

To mention a subject so that people can talk about it.

• Please do not bring up politics.
• She brought up an interesting question.
• Why did you bring it up during dinner?

How to use it: bring something up (She brought the problem up at lunch.)

Similar words: mention, raise

Common phrases: bring up something, bring up politics, bring up an issue

To care for children and teach them how to behave as they grow.

• They bring up their children together.
• My aunt brought me up.
• She was brought up to be polite.

How to use it: bring someone up to do something (They brought her up to respect other people.); be brought up by someone (He was brought up by his grandparents.)

Similar words: raise, rear

Common phrases: bring up children, bring up someone

To carry someone or something to a higher place.

• Please bring up the bags.
• He brought the chairs up from the basement.
• Can you bring them up to the bedroom?

How to use it: bring something up to somewhere (Please bring the boxes up to my room.)

Similar words: carry up

Opposites: carry down

Common phrases: bring up something, bring up boxes

To make hidden information or old memories appear again.

• This song brings up old memories.
• A search brought up new details about the house.
• The investigation may bring up evidence we missed.

How to use it: bring something up (The search brought several old records up.)

Similar words: uncover, reveal

Common phrases: bring up memories, bring up results, bring up details

To start a machine or computer system so that it is ready to use.

• We need to bring up the server.
• She brought the system up after the repair.
• Can you bring it up before the test?

How to use it: bring something up (The technician brought the server up again.)

Similar words: start, boot up

Opposites: shut down

Common phrases: bring up a server, bring up the system

To force food or liquid from your stomach out through your mouth.

• The baby brought up some milk.
• He brought up his breakfast on the bus.
• She could not eat without bringing it up.

How to use it: bring something up (The baby brought some milk up.)

Similar words: vomit, throw up

Common phrases: bring up food, bring up something