trump up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To fabricate or invent (something false, especially an accusation or charge) with dishonest intent: The action of deliberately creating a false story, piece of evidence, or accusation, typically to deceive others or to harm someone.
Usage and Examples
- The verb "trump up" is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a word like "charges," "evidence," "story," or "excuse." It is often used in the passive voice.
- It carries a strong negative connotation, implying deceit, malice, and a lack of factual basis.
Examples: * The authorities were accused of trumping up charges to silence the political activist. * He trumped up a story about car trouble to explain his lateness. * The evidence against her was completely trumped up.
Advanced Usage
- "trumped-up" (adjective): Used before a noun to describe something that has been fabricated.
- He was arrested on trumped-up charges.
- The case was dismissed due to trumped-up evidence.
Variants and Related Words
- Trumped-up (adj): As described above, the adjectival form.
- Fabricate (v): To invent or concoct something, typically with deceitful intent. A close synonym.
- Concoct (v): To make up or invent a story, plan, etc.
Synonyms
- Fabricate
- Concoct
- Invent
- Falsify
- Manufacture
Antonyms
- Substantiate
- Verify
- Confirm
- Validate
Related Phrases and Idioms
- A trumped-up charge: The most common collocation, referring to a false legal accusation.
- The journalist faced a trumped-up charge of libel.
Verb
- invent
- trump up charges