Definition

Verb: 1. To patch or refurbish something old by adding new parts or elements: To repair or update an existing item, idea, or piece of work by incorporating new material, often in a makeshift or improvised way. 2. To fabricate or invent something, typically an excuse or story, hastily or without a solid basis: To concoct or make up something on the spot, often to deceive or to fill a need.

Usage and Examples

• To patch or refurbish:
  • The designer decided to vamp up the vintage dress with some modern lace.
  • He vamped up his old thesis to turn it into a journal article.
• To fabricate or invent:
  • I had to quickly vamp up a reason for being late.
  • She vamped up an elaborate story about car trouble.

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a degree of improvisation, superficiality, or lack of thoroughness in the act of updating or inventing. The result may be functional but not necessarily elegant or deeply considered.
• It can be used in both literal contexts (like clothing or objects) and figurative contexts (like speeches, plans, or excuses).

Variants and Related Words

• Vamp (verb): Can mean to patch up or refurbish, or to seduce. The phrase "vamp up" specifically emphasizes the act of or .
• Cobble together: Similar in meaning to the "patch up" sense, suggesting a makeshift assembly.
• Concoct: Similar in meaning to the "fabricate" sense.

Synonyms

• Patch up: Repair or mend, especially in a temporary way.
• Refurbish: Renovate and redecorate.
• Concoct: Make up or invent (a story, excuse, or plan).
• Fabricate: Invent (typically with intent to deceive).
• Improvise: Create and perform spontaneously.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Make up: The most direct synonym for the "invent" sense (e.g., ).
• Patch up: The most direct synonym for the "repair/renovate" sense (e.g., ).

Related Idioms

• Whip up: To prepare or create something quickly (e.g., , ). This shares the connotation of speedy, improvised creation.
• Throw together: To assemble something hastily.

Verb

1. piece (something old) with a new part
   • vamp up an old speech
2. make up
   • vamp up an excuse for not attending the meeting