Definition of the word call up

The origins of the phrase "call up" can be traced back to the late 19th century, when it was first used in the context of sports. In cricket, for example, a team's captain would "call up" a player from the bench to replace a player who had been dismissed. In military contexts, the phrase gained popularity during World War I, when it was used to describe the process of summoning soldiers from their civilian lives and enlisting them in active service. Initially, soldiers were "called out" or "empaled" to serve, but the term "call up" became more widely used due to its more straightforward and direct meaning. The term "call up" has since been adopted in other fields, such as business and politics, to describe the process of summoning or recruiting individuals for specific roles, projects or tasks. Its military origins, however, continue to be a part of its enduring popularity, as the phrase highlights the sense of urgency, importance and duty that is associated with responding to a nation's call to service during times of need.