prick up
The phrase "prick up" can describe a physical reaction, like ears lifting in response to a sound, or an attentive behavior, as well as a specific technique in plastering.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(informal)To lift one's ears in response to a sound or alertness.
Example
- The dog's ears pricked up when it heard its name.
B2General
(informal)To become more attentive or alert.
Example
- She pricked up when she heard the news.
C1Construction
(technical)To apply an initial layer of plaster to a surface.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "prick up":
perk upstiff upjerk upstick upsharpen uphead upsit uppen uppipe uppluck uprark upnut uphave one's ears pinned backspruce uppitch upget it uptrice upall earspork upsit up withkick uppick up onprang outbuck upbutt uppink upsmarten uphot up