curl up

curl  (kûrl)

v. curled, curl·ing, curls

v.tr.

1. To twist (the hair, for example) into ringlets or coils.

2. To form into a coiled or spiral shape: curled the ends of the ribbon.

3. To decorate with coiled or spiral shapes.

4. To raise and turn under (the upper lip), as in snarling or showing scorn.

5. Sports To lift (a weight) by performing a curl.

v.intr.

1. To form ringlets or coils.

2. To assume a spiral or curved shape.

3. To move in a curve or spiral: The wave curled over the surfer.

4. Sports To engage in curling.

n.

1. Something with a spiral or coiled shape.

2. A coil or ringlet of hair.

3. A treatment in which the hair is curled.

4.

a. The act of curling: the curl of a meandering river.

b. The state of being curled.

5. Sports A weightlifting exercise using one or two hands, in which a weight held at the thigh or to the side of the body is raised to the chest or shoulder and then lowered without moving the upper arms, shoulders, or back.

6. Any of various plant diseases in which the leaves roll up.

Phrasal Verb:

curl up

To assume a position with the legs drawn up: The child curled up in an armchair to read.

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[Middle English crullen, curlen, from crulle, curly, perhaps of Middle Low German origin.]

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curl up

Verb

1. to lie or sit with legs drawn up

2. to be embarrassed or horrified

Thesaurus

Verb

1.

curl up - shape one's body into a curl; "She curled farther down under the covers"; "She fell and drew in" curl, draw in attract, pull in, draw in, pull, draw - direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes; "Her good looks attract the stares of many men"; "The ad pulled in many potential customers"; "This pianist pulls huge crowds"; "The store owner was happy that the ad drew in many new customers" bend, flex - form a curve; "The stick does not bend"