English Reference

Phrasal verb

rise up

Definition

phrasal verb. to rebel or start a protest against a leader or government. You use this when a large group of people tries to take control or demand change.

phrasal verb. To revolt or rebel against an established authority or government. The verb is intransitive and often implies a collective movement or insurrection.

Examples

“The people decided to rise up against the unfair laws.”

“After years of living under a dictator, the citizens finally began to rise up and demand their freedom.”

“The documentary explores the social conditions that caused the working class to rise up during the industrial revolution.”

Examples

simple

“The people decided to rise up against the unfair laws.”

contextual

“After years of living under a dictator, the citizens finally began to rise up and demand their freedom.”

complex

“The documentary explores the social conditions that caused the working class to rise up during the industrial revolution.”

Usage

This verb is intransitive and frequently collocates with the preposition 'against'.

Teaching tip

Help students distinguish this from 'stand up for', which means to support an idea, whereas 'rise up' means to actively rebel against power.

Pitfall

The citizens rose up the dictator.

The citizens rose up against the dictator.

The verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; it requires 'against' to link to the target of the rebellion.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

rise + up

Synonyms

rebelrevoltmutinyprotest

Antonyms

submitobeysurrender

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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