prick up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive or intransitive):
- To raise or point something, especially an animal's ears, to a more erect or alert position, typically in response to a sound or stimulus. This action signifies heightened attention or alertness.
Usage
- The verb "prick up" is most commonly used with body parts like "ears." It describes a quick, attentive movement. It is often used in the simple past tense (e.g., "pricked up") to describe a sudden reaction.
- It can be used transitively ("The dog pricked up its ears") or intransitively ("Its ears pricked up").
Examples
- Verb:
- The horse pricked up its ears at the distant sound.
- When she mentioned his name, he pricked up his ears and listened intently.
- The rabbit's ears pricked up, sensing danger.
Advanced Usage
- "to prick up one's ears" (idiom): To suddenly begin to listen very carefully because something has caught your interest.
- I pricked up my ears when I heard them discussing the new project.
- The students pricked up their ears at the mention of a possible field trip.
Variants and Related Words
- Prick (verb): To make a small hole or cause a slight, sharp sensation. This is the base verb from which the phrasal verb "prick up" is derived, though their meanings are distinct.
- Be careful not to prick your finger on the thorn.
Synonyms
- Perk up: To become more cheerful, lively, or alert; can also be used for ears.
- The dog perked up its ears.
- Raise: To lift or move to a higher position (a more general term).
- He raised his hand.
Phrasal Verbs
- Prick up is itself a phrasal verb. It does not commonly form further phrasal verb combinations. Its core meaning is captured in the idiom "prick up one's ears."
Related Idioms
- "to prick up one's ears": As detailed in the "Advanced Usage" section, this is the primary and almost exclusive idiomatic use of the term "prick up." It means to suddenly pay close attention.
Verb
- raise
- The dog pricked up his ears