draw up
/ˌdrɔ ˈʌp/
Reviewed on
Type
Phrasal verb
Meaning
To prepare a formal document, contract, or plan in writing.
The lawyers agreed to draw up the contract before the end of the week.
Has the committee drawn up a schedule yet?
To come to a stop, especially of a vehicle.
A black sedan drew up alongside the curb.
Why did that delivery truck suddenly draw up in the middle of the street?
To pull a chair or seat closer to someone or something.
She drew up a chair and sat down to join our conversation.
Draw up a stool so everyone can see the board.
How it's used
When this means “prepare a written document”
Both orders mean the same thing.
- draw up the contract
- draw the contract up
it and them go in the middle: “draw it up.” Not “draw up it.”
They will draw up the agreement tomorrow.
When this means “bring a vehicle to a stop”
- drew up outside
The taxi drew up outside the hotel.
Collocations
- draw up a plan
- draw up a proposal
- draw up an agreement
- draw up a chair
- draw up to the curb
Synonyms
- draft
- pull up
Idioms
draw oneself up
stand completely straight to show dignity or anger
She drew herself up to her full height and refused to apologize.