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set up

say it: set·UP

to establish or arrange

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to prepare or arrange something so it is ready to use

2. (verb) to establish or start a business, organization, or system

3. (verb) to create a situation where someone is forced into a bad or difficult position, usually unfairly

4. (noun) the way something is arranged or organized

Examples

• 1. I need to set up my new laptop before I can use it.
• 2. They set up a small company together last year.
• 3. He felt like his friend had set him up to take the blame.

How to use set up

Set up is a versatile phrasal verb with distinct meanings depending on context: preparing/arranging (neutral), establishing an enterprise (formal business context), or framing someone unfairly (informal, often accusatory). As a noun (setup or set-up), it refers to an arrangement or configuration. The meaning of 'framing someone' carries a negative connotation and is common in casual speech.

Common phrases

• set up a meeting
• set up a business
• set up equipment
• set up a system
• set someone up
• set up shop

Synonyms

arrange · prepare · establish · organize · install

Opposites

dismantle · remove · close

Word family

setup (noun) · set-up (noun) · setting up (gerund)

A common mistake

Learners often forget that 'set up' is separable when used with an object pronoun, so 'set it up' is correct but 'set up it' is not. Additionally, the noun form is sometimes written as one word (setup) and sometimes hyphenated (set-up) depending on style guide.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

rule out, run into, run out of, sort out, stand for, stand out

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained