The phrase “bought up” is commonly used in everyday language, but its meaning may not be clear to everyone. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “bought up,” its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
“Bought up” is a phrasal verb that means to purchase or acquire all of something. It can also refer to the act of buying a large quantity of something in order to control the market or prevent others from obtaining it.
Origin
The origin of “bought up” is unclear, but it is likely a combination of the verb “buy” and the preposition “up.” The phrase has been in use for at least a century and is still commonly used today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “bought up” means “to purchase or acquire all of something.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to buy all that is available” or “to buy in large quantities in order to control the market.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to buy all of something, especially in order to prevent someone else from buying it.”
Associations
The phrase “bought up” is often associated with the stock market, where investors may buy up a large quantity of shares in a company in order to gain control of it. It can also be associated with the practice of hoarding, where individuals buy up all of a product in order to prevent others from obtaining it.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “bought up” include purchased, acquired, obtained, and procured.
Antonyms
Antonyms for “bought up” include sold off, disposed of, and relinquished.
The same root words
The root words of “bought up” are “buy” and “up.” “Buy” is a verb that means to acquire something in exchange for money, while “up” is a preposition that can mean to increase or intensify something.
Example Sentences
- The company bought up all of its competitors in order to dominate the market.
- The investor bought up a large number of shares in the company, giving him control over its operations.
- The hoarder bought up all of the toilet paper in the store, leaving none for other customers.
- The government bought up all of the land in the area in order to build a new highway.
- The collector bought up all of the rare stamps at the auction, leaving none for other bidders.