wind up

Definitions

1. 1

   Alternative form of wind-up.

2. 2

   To wind (rope, string, mainsprings, etc.) completely.

   • I wound up the spool of rope.
3. 3

   To put (a clock, watch, etc.) in a state of renewed or continued motion by winding the…

   To put (a clock, watch, etc.) in a state of renewed or continued motion by winding the spring or other energy-storage mechanism.

   • I wound up the clock.
   • Your pocket watch will run for a long time if you wind up the spring all the way.
4. ›+ 10 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To tighten (someone or something) by winding or twisting.

      • The movie wound me up emotionally.
   2. 5

      To excite.

      • Try not to wind up the kids too much right before bedtime.
   3. 6

      To upset

      To upset; to anger or distress.

   4. 7

      To roll up (a car window or well bucket, etc., by cranking).

      • Wind up your window — it's starting to rain.
   5. 8

      To end up

      To end up; to arrive or result.

      • Mess around with drugs and wind up broke.
      • I followed the signs, and I wound up getting nowhere.
   6. 9

      To increase (in some aspect).

   7. 10

      To conclude, complete, or finish (something).

      • Even though he had bad news, he tried to wind up his speech on a positive note.
      • A general feast, of which all the male inhabitants of the town partake, winds up the proceedings at the close of the nineteen days.
      • In late April, residents were sent a blunt letter telling them that the town's ancient market, which had stopped because of the pandemic, and which really did date back to the reign of Queen Anne, would be wound up.
   8. 11

      To dissolve (a partnership or corporation) and liquidate its assets.

   9. 12

      To play a prank (on)

      To play a prank (on); to take the mickey (out of) or mock.

      • Twenty quid? Are you winding me up?
   10. 13

       To make the preparatory movements for a certain kind of pitch.

       • Paige seemed to be winding up for a fastball but then switched it up.

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