Definition

Verb (transitive) 1. To pull or lift something, typically an item of clothing, quickly and often with a jerking motion. - This action is usually done to adjust the position of clothing that has slipped down. 2. To attach or connect something to a vehicle or animal, especially for pulling. - This meaning is a direct combination of the base verb "hitch" (to attach) and the particle "up."

Usage and Examples

• Verb (adjusting clothing):
  • He had to hitch up his trousers before running.
  • She hitched up her skirt to wade through the shallow stream.
• Verb (attaching for pulling):
  • The farmer hitched up the horses to the wagon.
  • We need to hitch up the trailer before we can leave.

Advanced Usage

• "to hitch oneself up": To use one's own effort to pull oneself into a higher or better position, often while sitting.
  • He hitched himself up on the examination table.

Variants and Related Words

• Hitch (verb): To attach, connect, or fasten. (e.g., )
• Hitch (noun): A temporary problem or delay. (e.g., )
• Hitchhike (verb): To travel by getting free rides in passing vehicles.

Synonyms

• Pull up: To lift or raise something.
• Hike up: To pull or raise something, especially clothing, quickly (very similar in meaning for clothing).
• Yank up: To pull something up sharply and forcefully.
• Harness: To attach an animal to a vehicle (related to the second meaning).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Hitch on: To attach or add something.
  • They hitched an extra carriage on to the train.
• Hitch a ride/lift: To get a free ride in a vehicle.
  • We hitched a lift to the next town.

Related Idioms

• "Get hitched" (informal): To get married.
  • They finally got hitched last summer.
• "Without a hitch": Smoothly, without any problems.
  • The event went off without a hitch.

Verb

1. pull up
   • He hitched up his socks and pants