double up

To bend your body forward, often because of pain or laughter, or fold something in two.

• He doubled up in pain.
• We doubled up with laughter when the dog stole his sandwich.
• She doubled up the cloth to make it thicker.

How to use it: double up with/in something (She doubled up with laughter at his joke.); double up something (Double up the cloth before putting it under the pot.)

Similar words: double over, bend over, fold in two

Opposites: straighten up, unfold

Common phrases: double up with laughter, double up in pain, double up a cloth

To serve another purpose as well as the main one.

• This sofa doubles up as a bed.
• Our spare room doubled up as an office.
• Can these boxes double up as seats?

How to use it: double up as something (The dining table doubles up as a desk.)

Similar words: double as, serve as

Common phrases: double up as something, double up as beds

To make an amount, number, or length of time twice as great.

• Double up the amount of rice.
• We doubled up on blankets because the nights were cold.
• Can we double up the order for next week?

How to use it: double up something (We doubled up the quantities to feed everyone.); double up on something (They doubled up on supplies before the storm.)

Similar words: double

Opposites: halve

Common phrases: double up quantities, double up the amount, double up on supplies

To make someone bend forward, usually by hitting them in the stomach.

• The punch doubled him up.
• A kick to the stomach doubled the attacker up.
• That blow would double anyone up.

How to use it: double someone up (The blow doubled him up.)

Similar words: wind

Common phrases: double someone up, double up someone

To use twice the usual help or equipment, or work together in pairs.

• We doubled up on staff today.
• The workers doubled up to carry the heavy boxes.
• Can you double up with Anna for this job?

How to use it: double up on something (We doubled up on guards during the festival.); double up with someone (Double up with a partner for this task.)

Similar words: pair up, team up

Common phrases: double up on staff, double up with someone

To live with another person or household in the same home or room.

• Two families doubled up in one flat.
• We had to double up with friends after the flood.
• Would you double up with another guest to reduce the cost?

How to use it: double up with someone (We doubled up with relatives to save money.)

Similar words: share accommodation, live together

Common phrases: double up with someone, double up in rooms