Rough up

verb

To physically harm or abuse someone to scare or dominate them.

The bullies roughed him up in the schoolyard.
Visual representation of "rough up" - To physically harm or abuse someone to scare or dominate them

Often appears as...

  • get roughed up
  • rough someone up

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

verb

To make a smooth surface uneven.

She roughed up the wall before applying the new paint.
Visual representation of "rough up" - To make a smooth surface uneven

Often appears as...

  • rough up surface
  • roughed up wall
verb

To physically harm or abuse someone to scare or dominate them.

The bullies roughed him up in the schoolyard.
Visual representation of "rough up" - To physically harm or abuse someone to scare or dominate them

Often appears as...

  • get roughed up
  • rough someone up

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

verb

To make a smooth surface uneven.

She roughed up the wall before applying the new paint.
Visual representation of "rough up" - To make a smooth surface uneven

Often appears as...

  • rough up surface
  • roughed up wall
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "rough up"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Figurative Usage

Used metaphorically for non-physical intimidation as well.

Illustration for Figurative Usage
The interviewers roughed me up with their tough questions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Implies a harmful intention and can suggest illegality or immorality.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The thugs threatened to rough up anyone who refused to pay.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Physical Confrontation

Generally indicates some level of violence but not severe injury.

Illustration for Physical Confrontation
After the match, the losing team tried to rough up the winners.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Figurative Usage

Used metaphorically for non-physical intimidation as well.

Illustration for Figurative Usage
The interviewers roughed me up with their tough questions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Implies a harmful intention and can suggest illegality or immorality.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The thugs threatened to rough up anyone who refused to pay.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Physical Confrontation

Generally indicates some level of violence but not severe injury.

Illustration for Physical Confrontation
After the match, the losing team tried to rough up the winners.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Figurative Usage

Used metaphorically for non-physical intimidation as well.

Illustration for Figurative Usage
The interviewers roughed me up with their tough questions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Implies a harmful intention and can suggest illegality or immorality.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The thugs threatened to rough up anyone who refused to pay.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Physical Confrontation

Generally indicates some level of violence but not severe injury.

Illustration for Physical Confrontation
After the match, the losing team tried to rough up the winners.
Visual representation of the word "Rough up"

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