prick(something)up
phrasal verbwithprickverb[T]uk/prɪk/us/prɪk/
When ananimalpricksitsearsup, or whenitsearsprickup, it putsitsearsupstraightbecause it islisteningcarefullyto asmallsoundor one that isfaraway.
If youprickupyourears, or ifyourearsprickup, yousuddenlybegintolistenverycarefullybecause you haveheardsomethinginteresting:
Ioverheardthemmentioningmynameandprickedup myears.
to listen to someone or something
- listenAre you listening to me? I'm talking to you.
- hearAn audience gathered to hear him speak.
- eavesdropHe was eavesdropping on our conversation.
- listen in onI wish my brother would stop listening in on my phone calls.
- hear someone outAt least hear me out before you make up your mind.
Animal (non-human) behaviour
- accidental
- beg
- behave
- behaviour
- behavioural science
- behaviourist
- claw
- gambol
- groom
- migrate
- monogamous
- monogamy
- murmuration
- nocturnal
- non-migrant
- nuzzle
- ruminate
- scent
- skitter
- torpor
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Raising and lowering
Using the ears