Phrasal verb
beat up
Meanings
To attack someone physically, hitting them repeatedly and injuring them.
To make something look damaged, worn, or in poor condition (or to be in that condition).
Definition
To beat up someone means to attack and hurt them physically.
"Beat up" most commonly means to hit someone repeatedly and cause injury. It is usually used to describe a violent attack in everyday language. It can also describe something that looks old, damaged, or worn from heavy use.
Examples
- He got beat up outside the stadium after the game.
- They threatened to beat up the new kid, but the coach stepped in.
- She saw someone being beat up and called for help immediately.
- My backpack got beat up during the hike, and the zipper broke.
Common mistake
Learners often say "beat someone" when they mean a violent attack, but "beat up" is the more natural choice for physically hurting someone in this way.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.