make up

The story

1. Middle English · inherited frommaken up
2. English todaymake up

From Middle English maken up, equivalent to make + up (adverb).

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. To constitute the components of a whole.
• from 15th c. To compensate for (a deficiency, defect, etc.); to supply (something missing).
• from 18th c. To compensate (for).
• from 17th c. To invent or fabricate (a story, claim, etc.).
• from 14th c. To compile or draw up (a list, document, etc.).
• from 16th c. To put together (a substance, material, garment, medicine, etc.) into a specific form; to assemble.
• from 18th c. To prepare (someone) for a theatrical performance by means of costume, cosmetics, etc.
• from 18th c. To apply cosmetics or makeup to (a face, facial feature).