wind up

/wɪnd əp/

/wɪnd əp/

Other forms: winding up; winds up; winded up

To wind up is to turn the key of a toy or device that uses a clockwork motor to run. A good way to scare your sleeping dog is to wind up a mechanical hopping frog and set it loose.

You can wind up a mechanical toy (also called a wind up toy), or wind up just before you pitch a baseball. This involves a step back in the direction of second base before a forward step with the hands lifted overhead, preparing to throw the ball. Then there's the way people wind up, or end up, in some place or position: "At the end of the play, the characters wind up right where they started."

Definitions of wind up

1. verb

   coil the spring of (some mechanical device) by turning a stem
   synonyms: wind

   type of:

   fasten, tighten

   make tight or tighter
2. verb

   stimulate sexually
   synonyms: arouse, excite, sex, turn on

   types:

   tempt

   try to seduce

   type of:

   excite, shake, shake up, stimulate, stir

   stir the feelings, emotions, or peace of
3. verb

   give a preliminary swing to the arm pitching
   type of:

   swing

   move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
4. verb

   finally be or do something
   “he wound up being unemployed and living at home again”

   synonyms: end up, fetch up, finish, finish up, land up

   type of:

   act, move

   perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)