beat up

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Verb 1.1.1 Synonyms 1.1.2 Derived terms 1.1.3 See also 1.1.4 Translations 1.2 Adjective 1.2.1 Usage notes

[edit] English

[edit] Verb

to beat up (phrasal verb)

1. (transitive) To give a severe beating to.

   I got beaten up by thugs on my way home.

2. (Can we verify⁽⁺⁾ this sense?) (obsolete) To alarm by a sudden attack.
3. (intransitive, nautical) To sail to windward using a series of alternate tacks across the wind.
4. To cause by some other means, injuries comparable to the result of being beaten up
   • 2008 October 29, on Real Rescues (a British TV program):

     He [= a paraglider pilot] flew into a hill and beat himself up pretty badly.

5. (reflexive) To feel badly guilty and accuse oneself over something. Usually followed by over.

   Don't beat yourself up over such a minor mistake.

6. (WW2 air pilots' usage) Repeatedly bomb a military target or targets.
7. To get something done, derived from the idea of beating for game
8. (Can we verify⁽⁺⁾ this sense?) To verbally assault repeatedly.

[edit] Synonyms

• work over
• do over
• rough up
• process

[edit] Derived terms

• beat 'em up
• beat-up

[edit] See also

• beat to pulp

[edit] Translations

[edit] Adjective

beat up (comparative more beat up, superlative most beat up)

1. (slang) Battered by time and usage; beaten up.

[edit] Usage notes

• Not to be confused with upbeat