Word
erect
Meanings
to build, put up, or set something upright, especially a structure
standing straight up; upright
becoming stiff and upright (formal description, often of body parts)
Definition
Erect means to build or place something upright, or to stand upright.
To erect something is to put it up in an upright position, often by building, assembling, or raising it. It is commonly used for structures like fences, statues, or tents. It can also describe a person or object that is standing straight. In formal contexts, it may refer to something becoming stiff and upright.
Examples
- The city plans to erect a new pedestrian bridge to connect the two riverbanks.
- After the storm, they erected a temporary shelter on higher ground before nightfall.
- She remained erect throughout the ceremony, even when the speech dragged on.
- The museum erected protective barriers around the sculpture during renovations.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use "erect" in casual speech where "build" or "put up" sounds more natural, especially for small objects.
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More verbs
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