English Reference

Phrasal verb

baby up

Definition

phrasal verb. To treat someone like a baby by being too protective or doing everything for them. You use this when you think someone is being over-pampered.

phrasal verb. To treat a person with excessive indulgence or over-protectiveness. This phrasal verb is transitive and typically carries a pejorative nuance regarding the object's perceived lack of maturity.

Examples

“Don't baby him up; he can walk by himself.”

“Even though he is twenty, his parents still baby him up by doing his laundry and cooking every meal.”

“The institutional tendency to baby up new recruits often results in a workforce that lacks the resilience required for high-stakes decision-making.”

Examples

simple

“Don't baby him up; he can walk by himself.”

contextual

“Even though he is twenty, his parents still baby him up by doing his laundry and cooking every meal.”

complex

“The institutional tendency to baby up new recruits often results in a workforce that lacks the resilience required for high-stakes decision-making.”

Usage

Usually used with a person as the object and implies the care is unnecessary or harmful.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'pamper', which can be positive; 'baby up' is almost always seen as a negative way to stunt someone's growth.

Pitfall

You shouldn't baby up her.

You shouldn't baby her up.

Pronoun objects must be placed between the verb and the particle 'up'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

baby + (object) + up

Synonyms

coddlepamperspoilmollycoddle

Antonyms

neglectchallenge

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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