Meaning of the word "dry up" in English

What does "dry up" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

dry up

US /draɪ ˈʌp/

UK /draɪ ˈʌp/

to become completely dry

Example:

•

The river began to dry up during the long drought.

•

The puddles quickly dried up in the sun.

Synonym:

desiccate dehydrate wither shrivel evaporate

to stop being available or to come to an end

Example:

•

His ideas for the project seemed to dry up after a few weeks.

•

The well of public sympathy for the victims began to dry up.

Synonym:

cease stop vanish disappear run out

to forget one's lines in a play or performance

Example:

•

The actor suddenly dried up in the middle of his monologue.

•

She was so nervous that she almost dried up on stage.

Synonym:

blank out forget one's lines clam up freeze

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