wind someone up Definition

wind²
verb wound, winding

tr & intr
1. To wrap or coil, or be wrapped or coiled.

Thesaurus: coil, furl, twine, bend, curve, reel, twist, encircle.
Form: wind round (often)
Form: wind up
tr & intr
2. To progress on a path with many twists and turns.

Thesaurus: coil, bend, curve, twist, turn, spiral, serpentine, zigzag, meander, ramble.
3. To tighten the spring of (a clock, watch or other clockwork device) by turning a knob or key.

Form: wind something up (also)

noun

1. The state of being wound.
2. A turn, coil or twist.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon windan.

Phrasal Verb: wind down

Said of a clock or clockwork device: to slow down and stop working.Said of a person: to begin to relax, especially after a spell of tension, stress or work.

Phrasal Verb: wind something down

To lower it by turning a handle.To reduce the resources and activities of (a business or enterprise).

Phrasal Verb: wind up

To end up.
Example: He wound up in jail

Phrasal Verb: wind someone up

To make them tense, nervous or excited.To taunt or tease them. See also wind-up.

Phrasal Verb: wind something up

To raise it by turning a handle.To conclude or close down a business or enterprise.