The phrase "hike up" can be spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /haɪk ʌp/. The first sound, /haɪk/, includes the diphthong vowel sound /aɪ/ and a consonant sound /k/. The second sound, /ʌp/, includes the vowel sound /ʌ/ and the consonant sound /p/. The phrase refers to a physical activity of walking upwards or climbing a hill, mountain, or any other natural elevation.
Hike up is a phrasal verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context. The term usually implies an upward motion or increase in various situations. Here is a 200-word dictionary definition of "hike up".
1. To raise or lift upwards: In a literal sense, to hike up means to lift something or pull it higher. For example, hikers might hike up their backpacks when scaling a steep slope or an individual might hike up their pants to avoid getting them wet while walking through water.
2. To increase prices: In an economic or business context, hike up refers to raising the prices of goods or services. Companies might hike up their prices due to rising production costs, increased demand, or to maximize profits.
3. To raise levels or quantities: Hike up can also refer to increasing the levels or quantities of something. For instance, if a river is experiencing low water levels, heavy rain can cause the water to hike up, or a person might hike up the volume of a stereo to make it louder.
4. To raise a skirt or dress: In a more informal context, hike up can describe the action of pulling a skirt or dress upwards to a higher position, often to make it shorter or more comfortable.
Overall, the phrase "hike up" conveys the idea of raising, increasing, or lifting something, whether it is a physical object, prices, levels, or clothing.