Hunch up Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To bend your back and shoulders forward, making your body smaller, especially when you feel cold, afraid, or uncomfortable.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal. Often describes someone trying to protect themselves from cold, fear, or to fit into a small space. Not the same as 'hunch over', which often refers to leaning forward for work or study. Common collocations: "hunch up your shoulders", "hunched up in a corner".
Example Sentences
The boy hunched up in his coat because he was cold.
basic
Please don't hunch up your shoulders when you walk.
basic
She hunched up in the corner, trying not to be seen.
basic
Whenever it rains, I hunch up under my umbrella to stay dry.
natural
You could tell he was nervous—he just sat there, totally hunched up.
natural
After a long day, I like to hunch up on the sofa with a good book.
natural