to set up
∞
2.7
- phrasal verb
- /sɛt ʌp/
- She set up the projector to display the slides for her presentation.
- set up an appointment
- set up a meeting
- set up a camera
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Watch on YouTubeAnd I would set my friends up with them.
- And I would set my friends up with them.
- And so today we're setting up the gaming setup.
- So I'm going to set it up on my friend here.
- The user controls that by how they set up the trajectories.
- And he really, you know, set you up for tremendous success.
- The concepts are set up to connect to each other.
- Our damned systems are set up to reward narcissists.
- And we are setting ourselves up for a world of pain.
- And how did they sort of help you set up camp there?
Examples
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The crew worked quickly to set up the equipment for the concert in the park.
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OK, now we have to set it up with home kit.
-
Just got to find a good place to set up my phone.
-
And what if we, like, went and set up the pool table?
-
Uh, must have set it up in the wrong room.
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OK, we're all set up.
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If they want to participate, set up a time to meet with them outside of class.
Academic text (2015) -
So before I can film, we need to set up our backdrop.
-
However, a STEM camp can be set up anywhere, especially in a school setting.
Academic text (2013) -
A beautiful, candlelit, food-laden table has been set up in the middle of the room.
Fiction book (1990)
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To prepare something for use or an event
∞
1.0
Make something ready for use or an event
570
3.2
To set up a machine or computer program so it works
367
2.5
Install something so it stays in place and is ready to use
270
3.0
Build something like a wall or sign
225
3.6
To get something or yourself ready
135
4.2
To set up equipment on a ship or machine so it is ready to use
126
3.1
To arrange items so they are ready and easy to see
112
1.7
To put things or information in a clear, neat order
74
4.1
Build something like a wall or statue
58
1.0
Make someone or something prepared for use
51
3.2
To arrange objects or information in a clear organized way
42
5.2
To change the settings of a device like a computer for a specific use
19
4.1
Put things like lights or a tent together quickly to use for a short time
17
3.6
To put up and fasten a tent
16
3.7
To build a structure like a house or barn
15
5.2
To get something ready for the next step
13
2.8
To arrange a meeting or appointment
2
3.9
To set something before you need to use it
1
7.0
To build a structure like a house or barn
1
7.4
Add the equipment a place or thing needs to make it ready
1
5.3
To set up a device or program in advance so it is ready to use
1
4.6
To put parts together before they are needed or installed
Antonyms
How Ready
Surface Forms
Morphology
The constituents 'set' (to prepare/arrange) and 'up' (completion/positioning) give a partial cue — one can infer arranging or placing someone into a situation — but the specific sense 'to trick or frame someone' is an extended, partly idiomatic meaning that is not fully predictable from the parts. Because the deceit/frame sense requires prior exposure or contextual inference rather than straightforward composition, it is best classified as semi-transparent.
Etymology
Set up comes from the simple idea of putting things in place: to set an object and make it up (ready or standing). Imagine arranging a desk or building a machine piece by piece—this is why it means 'to prepare or arrange something so it is ready for use'.