act up
Third Person
acts up
Present Participle
acting up
Past Tense
acted up
Past Participle
acted up
1
to cause regular discomfort or pain, often related to a physical illness or health issue
- His old knee injury acts up every time it rains, causing him pain.
- When her back starts acting up, she has trouble with daily activities.
- The arthritis in his hands acts up more during cold weather.
- Stress can make chronic conditions act up, so it's important to manage it.
- I can't play sports right now because my ankle is acting up again.
2
to behave in an improper manner, often disregarding rules or social norms
- During the class, some students tend to act up and disrupt the lesson.
- Children may act up when they are seeking attention from their parents.
- It's essential to address the students who act up in the classroom to maintain order.
- The party became chaotic when a few guests started acting up after drinking.
- The comedian's goal is to make the audience laugh and act up during the show.
Synonyms:
3
(of mechanical devices, technology, or equipment) to not work properly
- My old computer tends to act up whenever I run multiple applications.
- The printer started acting up, and we couldn't get it to print the documents.
- The car's engine acted up, and it suddenly stopped on the highway.
- Our office photocopier often acts up and causes delays in our work.
- When the weather is very cold, my smartphone's touchscreen can act up.
4
to be temporarily assigned to a higher position within an organization or role
- Due to the manager's illness, I had to act up as the team leader for a week.
- While our supervisor is on maternity leave, John will act up as the interim department head.
- She acted up as the project leader during the director's sabbatical.
- The assistant coach will act up as the head coach during his absence.