C1verb3K

Erect

UK /["/ɪˈrekt/","/ɪˈrekts/","/ɪˈrektɪd/","/ɪˈrektɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪˈrekt/","/ɪˈrekts/","/ɪˈrektɪd/","/ɪˈrektɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to build something

In simple words: To build or raise something upright.

Examples

  • The church was erected in 1582.
  • A large monument was erected on the battlefield.
  • the newly erected station buildings
  • Police had to erect barriers to keep crowds back.
  • to erect a tent
  • The event will take place in a specially erected marquee.
  • An electric fence was erected around the campus.
  • to erect trade barriers

Usage notes

Use 'erect' when talking about building structures like buildings or flags. It's more formal and not typically used in casual conversation. Avoid using it in contexts that might be misconstrued with its slang meaning regarding bodily functions.

Grammar pattern

erect + object

Memory hint

Think of 'erect' as in 'erect the flagpole' — imagine lifting a flagpole straight up.

Collocations

  • hastily
  • quickly
  • specially
  • around
  • on
  • newly erected
  • recently erected
  • hastily
  • quickly
  • specially
  • around
  • on
  • newly erected
  • recently erected

Synonyms

  • raise
  • build
  • construct
  • put up
  • install

Antonyms

  • demolish
  • collapse
  • flatten

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'erected' as past tense without knowing 'erect' can also be present.
  • Use in informal contexts where a more casual term would be appropriate.
  • Overusing it in non-construction contexts may lead to misunderstandings.