phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb

put up with

to tolerate annoyance

What it means

To tolerate or accept something annoying or unpleasant without complaining, often because you have no choice. It usually implies reluctant acceptance rather than genuine acceptance.

Examples

  • I don't know how she puts up with his constant complaining every day.
  • We had to put up with terrible weather for the entire camping trip.
  • He refuses to put up with rude behaviour from anyone, including his boss.
  • Why do you put up with such a long commute every single day?

Where it comes from

Three-part inseparable phrasal verb dating back to the 1500s, originally meaning 'put up your sword' — that is, sheathe it and accept the situation peacefully.

Related phrasal verbs

#deal with#get over#go through#stand by

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