rough up — to attack and hurt someone physically, especially by hitting or pushing them roughly
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to attack and hurt someone physically, especially by hitting or pushing them roughly
Pronunciation (IPA): /rʌf ʌp/
Example Sentences
- My little brother roughed up my teddy bear so much that its arm fell off.
- The gang threatened to rough him up if he didn't pay back the money.
- In the movie, the hero gets roughed up pretty badly before finally winning the fight.
rough up
VERB[/rʌf ʌp/]
to attack and hurt someone physically, especially by hitting or pushing them roughly
The bouncers rough up the troublemaker outside the tavern door.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'rough' derives from Old English 'ruh', originally describing a surface lacking smoothness or being hairy in texture. The adverbial particle 'up' was added to intensify and complete the action, transforming the phrasal verb 'rough up' into an expression denoting violent or aggressive handling.
Breakdown
rough (Old English 'ruh' meaning rough, unsmooth, or hairy) + up (adverbial particle indicating direction, completion, and intensification of action).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My little brother roughed up my teddy bear so much that its arm fell off.”
“The gang threatened to rough him up if he didn't pay back the money.”
“In the movie, the hero gets roughed up pretty badly before finally winning the fight.”
“Coach warned the players not to rough up their opponents during the friendly match.”
“My cat roughs up the sofa cushions every morning like it's her personal boxing ring.”
📚Related Words
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