Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To fasten or close something using a zipper. This action involves pulling the slider of a zipper upward or downward to interlock the teeth, thereby securing an opening, such as on a piece of clothing or a bag.

Usage

• The verb "zip up" is used with a direct object (the item being fastened).
• It is a separable phrasal verb. The object can often come between "zip" and "up" (e.g., ) or after the phrase (e.g., ). When the object is a pronoun (it, them), it must come between the verb and the particle (e.g., ).

Examples

• Basic Usage:

  • Please zip up your suitcase before you check it.
  • It's windy, so you should zip up your coat.
  • Can you help me zip up this dress?

• With Separated Object:

  • He zipped his backpack up and left.
  • She zipped it up all the way to her chin.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use (Informal): To make something more exciting, lively, or complete.
  • A splash of color will really zip up that room.
  • The new soundtrack zips up the entire movie.

Variants and Related Words

• Zip (verb): Can be used synonymously with "zip up" in the context of fastening.
  • Zip your jacket.
• Zipper (noun): The fastening device itself.
• Unzip (verb): The opposite action; to open by undoing a zipper.

Synonyms

• Fasten
• Close (using a zipper)

Antonyms

• Unzip
• Open

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Zip through (something): To do something very quickly.
  • She zipped through her homework in an hour.
• Zip around: To move around quickly.
  • Messengers were zipping around the city on bikes.

Idioms

• : This is not a standard idiom with "zip up." The common idiom uses "zip" alone to mean "energy" or "zero."
  • He was full of zip this morning. (energy)
  • We scored zip in the first half. (zero)

Verb

1. close with a zipper
   • Zip up your jacket--it's cold