Phrasal verb
stop up
Definition
phrasal verb. to block a hole or a pipe so that nothing can flow through it.
phrasal verb. to obstruct or plug an opening, orifice, or conduit, preventing the passage of fluids or air. Often used in the context of plumbing or small structural repairs.
Examples
“Use some clay to stop up the hole in the wall.”
“The sink is draining slowly because hair and soap have started to stop up the pipes.”
“The workers used heavy debris to stop up the drainage channel before the storm surge reached the lower levels of the facility.”
Examples
simple
“Use some clay to stop up the hole in the wall.”
contextual
“The sink is draining slowly because hair and soap have started to stop up the pipes.”
complex
“The workers used heavy debris to stop up the drainage channel before the storm surge reached the lower levels of the facility.”
Usage
often used with materials like wax, clay, or dirt as the means of obstruction.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'clog' (which is often accidental) and 'plug' (which is usually intentional); 'stop up' can describe both the act and the result.
Pitfall
The drain was stopped up of hair.
The drain was stopped up with hair.
the preposition 'with' is required to indicate the material causing the blockage.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
stop + up + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/stop-up