verb
rear
To rise or stand upright.
The horse rears up when a loud truck passes the fence.
Etymology
Old English rǣran means to raise or set upright. The modern movement sense preserves rising into an upright position, especially onto the hind legs.
More examples
- The startled pony reared onto its hind legs.
- The cobra rears up and spreads its hood.
- Steep cliffs rear above the narrow valley.
Forms
rear · rears · reared · rearing