Antonyms for pluck up


Grammar : Verb
Spell : pluhk
Phonetic Transcription : plÊŒk


Definition of pluck up

Origin :
  • late Old English ploccian, pluccian "pull off, cull," from West Germanic *plokken (cf. Middle Low German plucken, Middle Dutch plocken, Dutch plukken, Flemish plokken, German pflücken), perhaps from Vulgar Latin *piluccare (cf. Old French peluchier, late 12c.; Italian piluccare), a frequentative, ultimately from Latin pilare "pull out hair," from pilus "hair" (see pile (n.3)). But despite the similarities, OED finds difficulties with this and cites gaps in historical evidence. Related: Plucked; plucking.
  • To pluck a rose, an expression said to be used by women for going to the necessary house, which in the country usually stands in the garden. [F. Grose, "Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue," 1785]
  • This euphemistic use is attested from 1610s. To pluck up "summon up" is from c.1300.
  • As in dare : verb take a risk; be courageous
Example sentences :
  • What if I were to pluck up my heart and beg them to let me sup in their company?
  • Extract from : « The Memoires of Casanova, Complete » by Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
  • This thought caused him to pluck up heart and look at Nina sideways.
  • Extract from : « Almayer's Folly » by Joseph Conrad
  • Take my advice and pluck up spirit, and go in for her boldly.
  • Extract from : « Molly Bawn » by Margaret Wolfe Hamilton
  • In the meantime our men will pluck up their courage—that will be so much gained.
  • Extract from : « The English at the North Pole » by Jules Verne
  • He was trying to pluck up his spirit in order that he might get rid of them.
  • Extract from : « Cousin Henry » by Anthony Trollope
  • Then only did I pluck up enough courage to return to the other room.
  • Extract from : « Brazilian Tales » by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis
  • Lopez had resolved to pluck up his spirit and carry himself like a man.
  • Extract from : « The Prime Minister » by Anthony Trollope
  • I pluck up courage; I prudently remove to the other end of the room.
  • Extract from : « The Caxtons, Complete » by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
  • Tom begged her to pluck up hope again, and she said she could not.
  • Extract from : « The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete » by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
  • Very well; so pluck up, Seorita, and soon the fun will be over!
  • Extract from : « The Treasure of Pearls » by Gustave Aimard

Synonyms for pluck up

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019