English Explanatory Dictionary

wind up

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun

Alternative form of wind-up.

verb

To wind (rope, string, mainsprings, etc.) completely.
To put (a clock, watch, etc.) in a state of renewed or continued motion by winding the spring or other energy-storage mechanism.
To tighten (someone or something) by winding or twisting.
To excite.
To upset; to anger or distress.
To roll up (a car window or well bucket, etc., by cranking).
To end up; to arrive or result.
To increase (in some aspect).
To conclude, complete, or finish (something).
To dissolve (a partnership or corporation) and liquidate its assets.
To play a prank (on); to take the mickey (out of) or mock.
To make the preparatory movements for a certain kind of pitch.

Pronunciation

/waɪnd ˈʌp/ en-us-wind_up.ogg

Word forms

wind up wind ups winds up winding up wound up

Synonyms

bind cinch brace clench constrict squeeze tighten taughten tauten tense gin up stimulate work up animate awaken electrify enflame enkindle enthrill exagitate excite exhilarate exsuscitate fillip fire fire the blood galvanize ignite inflame intoxicate kindle quicken rouse send set fire to set on fire sharpen stir the blood suscitate thrill vitalise wake warm the blood whet wind up yerk burn up get up get someone's back up rile up aggravate annoy nettle rankle ruffle sting antagonize bother disgruntle botherate

Antonyms

unwind unspool play out wind down roll down lower start out

Derived words

snitches get stitches and wind up in ditches wind-up windup wind up one's bottoms wind-up radio

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