Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To summon someone, especially for military service.
   • To retrieve something, such as information or a memory, from one's mind or from a computer system.
   • To telephone someone.
   • To bring something forward for consideration or review.

Usage and Examples

• To summon for military duty:
  • During the war, the government called up all eligible reservists.
  • He received his call-up papers in the mail. (Here, "call-up" is used as a noun derived from the phrasal verb.)
• To recall from memory:
  • The old photograph called up vivid memories of her childhood.
  • I can't call up his name right now.
• To telephone:
  • I'll call you up when I arrive at the station.
• To bring forward for consideration:
  • The senator moved to call up the bill for a vote.

Advanced Usage

• In computing, "call up" can mean to retrieve and display data or a program.
  • Call up the customer's record on your screen.

Variants and Related Words

• Call-up (noun): An order to report for military service.
  • His call-up was deferred for six months.

Synonyms

• Summon, mobilize, draft (for military context).
• Recollect, remember, recall (for memory).
• Phone, ring, telephone (for communication).
• Present, introduce (for consideration).

Phrasal Verbs

• Call up is itself a phrasal verb with the meanings listed above. Its structure is separable.
  • He called his friend up. / He called up his friend.

Related Idioms

• To call up reserves: To utilize backup resources or personnel.
  • The team had to call up reserves from the minor leagues due to injuries.

Noun

1. an order to report for military duty

Verb

1. call to arms; of military personnel
2. recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
   • I can't remember saying any such thing
   • I can't think what her last name was
   • can you remember her phone number?
   • Do you remember that he once loved you?
   • call up memories
3. get or try to get into communication (with someone) by telephone
   • I tried to call you all night
   • Take two aspirin and call me in the morning
4. bring forward for consideration
   • The case was called up in court