Definition

Verb: 1. To construct by fitting or uniting parts together: This is the primary definition, meaning to assemble or build something by joining its components. 2. (Informal, often "frame-up") To fabricate false evidence or a false story to make an innocent person appear guilty: This is a common idiomatic usage, meaning to conspire to incriminate someone falsely.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Construct):

  • The carpenter will frame up the new house by next week.
  • We need to frame up the basic structure before adding the walls.

• Verb (Fabricate Evidence):

  • The corrupt officers tried to frame up the suspect by planting drugs.
  • He was innocent; it was a clear attempt to frame him up.

Advanced Usage

• "A frame-up" (Noun): A plot to make an innocent person appear guilty.
  • The journalist exposed the political frame-up.
  • He was a victim of a sophisticated frame-up.

Variants and Related Words

• Frame (Verb): To construct the supporting structure of something; also, to formulate (a plan, law); and informally, to produce false evidence against.
• Framing (Noun): The action of constructing a framework; also, the way something is presented or constructed.
• Framework (Noun): A basic supporting structure or system.

Synonyms

• Assemble: To fit together the component parts of.
• Fabricate: To construct or manufacture; also, to invent (a story or evidence) with deceitful intent.
• Construct: To build or form by putting parts together.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Frame out: To build the basic wooden skeleton of a structure.
  • They framed out the new addition in two days.
• Frame in: To enclose within a frame.
  • The beautiful view was framed in by the large window.

Related Idioms

• A frame job: Another informal term for a "frame-up"; a scheme to falsely incriminate someone.
  • The defense attorney argued it was a frame job from the start.

Verb

1. construct by fitting or uniting parts together