Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

prick-up

Phrasal Verb

prɪk ʌp

Definition

To raise or lift something sharply or suddenly; often used in the context of ears or attention being heightened.

Examples

When the teacher mentioned a surprise quiz, the students prick-up their ears.
He always prick-up his ears whenever a conversation about travel begins.
As soon as the news anchor started discussing the election results, the audience prick-up their ears in anticipation.

Meaning

When someone ‘prick-up’s their ears, it indicates they are now alert and paying attention, often due to something interesting or surprising being said.