# stop up

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stop-up
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to block a hole or a pipe so that nothing can flow through it.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The drain was stopped up of hair." but "The drain was stopped up with hair." — the preposition 'with' is required to indicate the material causing the blockage.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.