set up Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb set up or found
   found; establish; launch.
   
   • She set up a literacy program
2. verb create by putting components or members together
   tack together; tack; assemble; piece; put together.
   
   • She pieced a quilt
   • He tacked together some verses
   • They set up a committee
3. verb construct, build, or erect
   put up; rear; raise; erect.
   
   • Raise a barn
4. verb get ready for a particular purpose or event
   set; lay out.
   
   • set up an experiment
   • set the table
   • lay out the tools for the surgery
5. verb put into a proper or systematic order
   arrange.
   
   • arrange the books on the shelves in chronological order
6. verb begin, or enable someone else to begin, a venture by providing the means, logistics, etc.
   
   • set up an election
7. verb take or catch as if in a snare or trap
   entrap; ensnare; frame.
   
   • I was set up!
   • The innocent man was framed by the police
8. verb produce
   effect; effectuate.
   
   • The scientists set up a shock wave
9. verb set up for use
   instal; install; put in.
   
   • install the washer and dryer
   • We put in a new sink
10. verb place
    instal; establish; install.
    
    • Her manager had set her up at the Ritz
11. verb arrange the outcome of by means of deceit
    rig.
    
    • rig an election
12. verb erect and fasten
    pitch.
    
    • pitch a tent
13. verb arrange thoughts, ideas, temporal events
    put; order; arrange.
    
    • arrange my schedule
    • set up one's life
    • I put these memories with those of bygone times
14. verb equip with sails or masts
    rig; set.
    
    • rig a ship
15. verb make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
    set; prepare; fix; gear up; ready.
    
    • Get the children ready for school!
    • prepare for war
    • I was fixing to leave town after I paid the hotel bill

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