Mess with

verb

To get involved with someone or something in a way that could cause harm.

You should not mess with dangerous machinery.
Visual representation of "mess with" - To get involved with someone or something in a way that could cause harm

Often appears as...

  • mess with someone
  • mess with something
verb

To tease or joke with someone.

I'm just messing with you, I didn't really lose your keys.
Visual representation of "mess with" - To tease or joke with someone

Often appears as...

  • mess with someone
  • just messing with you

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

verb

To change something, usually causing damage or problems.

I don't know why he was messing with the settings on my computer.
Visual representation of "mess with" - To change something, usually causing damage or problems

Often appears as...

  • mess with settings
  • messing with the configuration
verb

To fight or argue with someone.

Don't mess with that guy, he's dangerous.
Visual representation of "mess with" - To fight or argue with someone

Often appears as...

  • don't mess with him
  • mess with the wrong person

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

verb

To get involved with someone or something in a way that could cause harm.

You should not mess with dangerous machinery.
Visual representation of "mess with" - To get involved with someone or something in a way that could cause harm

Often appears as...

  • mess with someone
  • mess with something
verb

To tease or joke with someone.

I'm just messing with you, I didn't really lose your keys.
Visual representation of "mess with" - To tease or joke with someone

Often appears as...

  • mess with someone
  • just messing with you

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

verb

To change something, usually causing damage or problems.

I don't know why he was messing with the settings on my computer.
Visual representation of "mess with" - To change something, usually causing damage or problems

Often appears as...

  • mess with settings
  • messing with the configuration
verb

To fight or argue with someone.

Don't mess with that guy, he's dangerous.
Visual representation of "mess with" - To fight or argue with someone

Often appears as...

  • don't mess with him
  • mess with the wrong person

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "mess with"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Dangerous Implications

Using 'mess with' suggests potential physical or psychological harm may occur.

Illustration for Dangerous Implications
If you mess with that gang, you might get hurt.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Strong Warning

Use 'mess with' to strongly advise someone against doing something risky.

Illustration for Strong Warning
You'd better not mess with the electrical panel without a professional.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Dangerous Implications

Using 'mess with' suggests potential physical or psychological harm may occur.

Illustration for Dangerous Implications
If you mess with that gang, you might get hurt.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Strong Warning

Use 'mess with' to strongly advise someone against doing something risky.

Illustration for Strong Warning
You'd better not mess with the electrical panel without a professional.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Dangerous Implications

Using 'mess with' suggests potential physical or psychological harm may occur.

Illustration for Dangerous Implications
If you mess with that gang, you might get hurt.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Strong Warning

Use 'mess with' to strongly advise someone against doing something risky.

Illustration for Strong Warning
You'd better not mess with the electrical panel without a professional.
Visual representation of the word "Mess with"

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