crack up — to laugh uncontrollably
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to laugh uncontrollably
Pronunciation (IPA): /kræk ʌp/
Example Sentences
- The cat video made me crack up so hard I snorted milk out of my nose.
- My grandma cracks up every time she tries to use emoji.
- The intense workload is causing many employees to crack up.
crack up
VERB[/kræk ʌp/]
to laugh uncontrollably
The whole class cracked up when the cat walked across the teacher's keyboard.
While they pack up and back up, everyone starts to crack up!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'crack' originated in Middle English, derived from imitative origins mimicking a sharp, sudden sound or fracture. When combined with the particle 'up', the phrase evolved to denote complete disintegration or collapse, and from the early 20th century, it extended metaphorically to describe both uncontrollable laughter and mental breakdown.
Breakdown
crack (to break or fracture, from imitative origin) + up (completely, intensifying particle), forming a phrasal verb expressing total physical or emotional failure.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cat video made me crack up so hard I snorted milk out of my nose.”
“My grandma cracks up every time she tries to use emoji.”
“The intense workload is causing many employees to crack up.”
“He cracked up his brand new Tesla on his first day of ownership.”
📚Related Words
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