What are the definitions of “trump up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Charge or accuse someone falsely.
The police TRUMPED UP the charges against him and he ended up in prison though he hadn't done it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “trump up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb trump up is to charge or accuse someone falsely, often by creating false evidence or making false claims. It usually implies that someone is being dishonest or manipulative in order to make another person look guilty.
What are the different verb forms of “trump up”?
| Root Verb | trump up |
| Third Person Singular Present | trumps up |
| Present Participle | trumping up |
| Simple Past | trumped up |
| Past Participle | trumped up |
Example
The politician tried to trump up charges against his rival.
Example
She trumps up accusations to discredit her opponents.
Example
He is trumping up false evidence to support his claim.
Example
They trumped up charges against the innocent man.
Example
The allegations were trumped up to ruin her reputation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “trump up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“trump up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The lawyer trumped up false evidence against the defendant.
Example
They trumped up charges to arrest the activist.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“trump up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The lawyer trumped up false evidence against the defendant.
Example
They trumped up charges to arrest the activist.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “trump up”?
Trump up support
To create false or exaggerated support for a cause or person.
Example
The company trumped up support for their new product by paying people to write positive reviews.
Trump up an excuse
To create a false or exaggerated excuse for something.
Example
He trumped up an excuse for being late to the meeting.
Trump up a story
To create a false or exaggerated story, often to deceive others.
Example
She trumped up a story about her heroic actions to impress her friends.
Good things to know
Does “trump up” have an informal or formal tone?
Trump up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing. In more formal contexts, synonyms such as 'fabricate' or 'falsify' may be more appropriate.
