# rise up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rise-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The citizens rose up the dictator." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.