call-up

Definition

Noun (countable and uncountable)

  1. Military conscription: A "call-up" is an official order or summons to join the armed forces, typically issued by a government during times of war or national emergency.

    • Example: The government announced a general call-up of all men aged 18 to 35. (An order for them to report for military service.)

  2. A group of people summoned: It can also refer to the total number of individuals who are called to serve in the military during a specific period.

    • Example: This month's call-up included over five thousand new recruits. (The group of people summoned for service.)

  3. An invitation to a sports team: In sports, a "call-up" is an invitation for a player to join a national or senior team, especially from a lower-level or youth team.

    • Example: His excellent performance earned him a call-up to the national football squad. (An invitation to join the senior team.)

  4. A summons for an appointment: In informal or historical usage, a "call-up" can refer to an arranged meeting, especially with a prostitute, though this meaning is now rare and outdated.

Usage Examples

  • Military context:

    • He received his call-up papers last week and must report to the barracks on Monday. (Official documents ordering him to join the army.)
    • During the war, there was a massive call-up of reservists. (A large-scale conscription of previously trained soldiers.)

  • Sports context:

    • The young striker got a surprise call-up to the national team for the World Cup. (An unexpected invitation to join the senior squad.)
    • Her call-up to the Olympic team was the highlight of her career. (The invitation to compete for her country.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Call-up notice": A formal written document ordering someone to report for military service.

    • He ignored his call-up notice and was later arrested for draft evasion. (He did not obey the official conscription order.)

  • "Emergency call-up": A summons issued during a crisis, often requiring immediate response.

    • The emergency call-up of medical personnel was necessary after the earthquake. (An urgent summons for doctors and nurses.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Call up (phrasal verb): The verb form meaning to summon or order someone to join the military or a team.

    • The army called up all available reserves. (They summoned them for active duty.)
    • The coach called up the young player for the final match. (He invited him to join the team.)

  • Call-up papers (noun phrase): Official documents sent to individuals ordering them to report for military service.

    • He burned his call-up papers in protest. (He destroyed the official conscription documents.)
Synonyms
  • Conscription: compulsory enlistment for military service.
  • Draft: a system for selecting individuals for mandatory military service.
  • Mobilization: the act of assembling and preparing troops for active service.
  • Summons: an official order to appear or report.
Related Idioms

  • "Answer the call-up": To obey a conscription order by reporting for duty.

    • He answered the call-up without hesitation, believing it was his duty. (He reported for military service willingly.)

  • "Dodge the call-up": To avoid or evade military conscription illegally.

    • Many young men tried to dodge the call-up by fleeing the country. (They attempted to avoid being drafted.)