Definition & Meaning of "phrasal verb"

What is a "phrasal verb"?

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles, which can be prepositions or adverbs, that together create a meaning different from the individual words. Phrasal verbs often convey a specific action or idea and can be idiomatic, meaning the overall meaning cannot be easily guessed from the individual words. For example, in the phrase "give up," the verb "give" combined with the particle "up" means to stop trying or to surrender. Other examples include "look after," which means to care for, and "run into," meaning to encounter unexpectedly. Phrasal verbs are common in everyday English and can add richness and variety to language.