multi-word verb

multi-word verb (verbalgruppe): a verb consisting of two or more words which function together in making up meaning. A multi-word verb is usually a combination of a verb and an adverb or a preposition, but other word classes may also be included. Normally, a multi-word verb can be seen as an idiom, i.e. the meaning of the multi-word verb is not (totally) predictable from the meaning of each of its components. E.g. run up (in 'run up a bill'), mess about, make up one's mind, give in. See also phrasal verb, prepositional verb.