Definition of "make up"

To constitute, to compose.

1. (transitive) To constitute the components of a whole.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • The words "dream interpretation" […] remind one of all sorts of childish, superstitious notions, which make up the thread and woof of dream books, read by none but the ignorant and the primitive.

     1920, M. D. Eder, Dream Psychology, translation of original by Sigmund Freud

   • The critical component of the photosynthetic system is the water-oxidizing complex, made up of manganese atoms and a calcium atom.

     2013 September–October, Katie L. Burke, “In the News: Photosynthesis Precursor”, in American Scientist‎, volume 100, number 5, New Haven, Conn.: Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, archived from the original on 3 September 2013, page 328

To compensate, to fill in, to catch up.

1. (transitive) To compensate for (a deficiency, defect, etc.); to supply (something missing).  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • The Argentine found Dzeko and his killer ball was timed brilliantly for the Ivorian, who made up 90 yards, to slot in.

     2011 January 15, Saj Chowdhury, “Man City 4 – 3 Wolves”, in BBC Sport‎, archived from the original on 30 September 2018

2. (intransitive) To compensate (for).  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • The corn ration was drastically reduced, and it was announced that an extra potato ration would be issued to make up for it.

     1945 August 17, George Orwell [pseudonym; Eric Arthur Blair], chapter 7, in Animal Farm […], London: Secker & Warburg

   • Meanwhile Nanny Broome was recovering from her initial panic and seemed anxious to make up for any kudos she might have lost, by exerting her personality to the utmost. She took the policeman's helmet and placed it on a chair, and unfolded his tunic to shake it and fold it up again for him.

     1963, Margery Allingham, “Meeting Point”, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, page 232

   • Roger Johnson came closest to scoring for the visitors in the first half when he headed over from six yards following Lee Bowyer's cross, but he made up for that by producing some sterling defending to head clear Obinna's bullet centre.

     2011 February 6, Alistair Magowan, “West Ham 0 – 1 Birmingham”, in BBC Sport‎, archived from the original on 5 July 2018

To invent, to imagine, to concoct

1. To invent or fabricate (a story, claim, etc.).  examples

To assemble, to prepare.

1. To compile or draw up (a list, document, etc.).  examples

2. To put together (a substance, material, garment, medicine, etc.) into a specific form; to assemble.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • Like their mentors, they sang "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" and "I'm Not A Teenage Delinquent," and even had letter sweaters made up with huge "S"'s on them.

     1990, Wayne Jancik, The Billboard Book of One-Hit Wonders, page 323

3. (transitive, intransitive, reflexive) To prepare (someone) for a theatrical performance by means of costume, cosmetics, etc.  examples

To apply cosmetics.

1. (transitive, intransitive, reflexive) To apply cosmetics or makeup to (a face, facial feature).  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • She rushed into her bedroom to make up.

     1959, Anthony Burgess, Beds in the East (The Malayan Trilogy), published 1972, page 617

To make peace, to settle a dispute.

1. (transitive, intransitive) To resolve or settle an argument, dispute, conflict, or fight (e.g., with someone).  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • Miss Palmer and I made up, though she scolded most violently about my long absence, and attacked me about the Book without mercy.

     1782, Frances Burney, Journals & Letters, Penguin, published 2001, page 180

   • Why somebody, why people break up / Turn around and make up, I just can't see / You'd never do that to me, would you baby?

     1971, “Let's Stay Together”, performed by Al Green

To arrange, to advance.

1. (obsolete) To arrange (a marriage); to organise (a treaty).

2. To draw near to, approach to.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • They in their turns made up to her, and expressed their surprize and concern at finding her in the assembly unprovided, after she had declined their invitation […] .

     1751, [Tobias] Smollett, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to IV), London: Harrison and Co., […]

   • On this they made up to me, and were about to handle me; but I told them to be still and keep off […] .

     1789, Olaudah Equiano, chapter 8, in The Interesting Narrative, volume I

3. To make social or romantic advances to; to pay court to.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • She thought he was making up to her—of course, at the time I believed her and I let him go, but I know now it was all nonsense.

     1934, F[rancis] Scott Fitzgerald, Tender is the Night: A Romance, New York, N.Y.: Charles Scribner’s Sons; republished as chapter III, in Malcolm Cowley, editor, Tender is the Night: A Romance [...] With the Author’s Final Revisions, New York, N.Y.: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1951, book I (Case History: 1917–1919), page 16

To build, to complete.

1. (obsolete) To build, construct (a tower, city, etc.).

2. (obsolete) To build up (a bank, wall, etc.) where it has fallen away; to repair.  quotations

   Quotations

   • Yee haue not gone vp into the gaps, neither made vp the hedge for the house of Israel.

     1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], Ezekial XIII:5