stick up

To rise above a surface or point upward.

• Your hair sticks up.
• A bent nail stuck up from the board.
• Why are the dog’s ears sticking up?

How to use it: stick up out of something (A nail sticks up out of the floor.)

Similar words: stand up, protrude

Common phrases: stick up straight, stick up above something

To defend someone or something when others criticize them or treat them badly.

• Stick up for yourself.
• She stuck up for her brother when others blamed him.
• Who will stick up for our rights?

How to use it: stick up for someone/something (He always sticks up for his friends.)

Similar words: defend, stand up for

Common phrases: stick up for someone, stick up for yourself

To attach something to a wall or another surface, using glue, tape, or similar material.

• Stick up the poster here.
• She stuck the photo up beside her desk.
• Can we stick up a notice in the hall?

How to use it: stick something up on something (We stuck a map up on the wall.)

Similar words: put up, post

Opposites: take down

Common phrases: stick up a poster, stick up a notice

To steal from a person or place by threatening someone with a gun.

• They planned to stick up a bank.
• A masked man stuck up the petrol station.
• The cashier was stuck up while counting the money.

How to use it: stick someone/something up (The robbers stuck the shop up at closing time.)

Similar words: hold up, rob

Common phrases: stick up a bank, stick up someone

To challenge someone who is trying to frighten or control you.

• He stuck up to the bully.
• She finally stuck up to her cruel boss.
• They refused to obey and stuck up to the guards.

How to use it: stick up to someone (She stuck up to the man who threatened her.)

Similar words: stand up to, defy, confront

Opposites: submit

Common phrases: stick up to someone, stick up to bullies

To keep supporting an idea or carrying out a role despite difficulty or disagreement.

• He stuck up for his principles.
• They continued to stick up for their cause despite setbacks.
• She has always stuck up for the position she took.

How to use it: stick up for something (She stuck up for her beliefs despite the criticism.)

Similar words: stand by, remain committed to

Opposites: abandon

Common phrases: stick up for something, stick up for principles