LookItUp

rough up

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌrʌf ˈʌp/

rough up means: To hit or push someone violently, usually to hurt or frighten them.

verb

HURT SOMEONEB2

To hit or push someone violently, usually to hurt or frighten them.

  • The gang roughed him up.
  • Two guards were accused of roughing up a prisoner.
  • Did those men rough you up?

How to use it: rough someone up (Two men roughed the driver up.); rough him/her/them up (They roughed him up outside the club.)

Similar words: beat up, manhandle

Common phrases: rough up someone, rough someone up

ROUGHEN SURFACEC1

To make a surface less smooth, often by rubbing or brushing it.

  • Rough up the wood with sandpaper.
  • He roughed up the surface before painting it.
  • A stiff brush can rough up the grain.

How to use it: rough something up (Rough the wood up before applying glue.)

Similar words: roughen, abrade

Opposites: smooth, polish

Common phrases: rough up something, rough up the surface, rough something up

Questions about rough up

What does rough up mean?

To hit or push someone violently, usually to hurt or frighten them.

What is rough up in other languages?

Türkçe: hırpalamak · Español: dar una paliza · Français: tabasser · Deutsch: verprügeln · Italiano: picchiare · 日本語: 殴りつける

How do you pronounce rough up?

It is pronounced /ˌrʌf ˈʌp/.

How do you use rough up in a sentence?

The gang roughed him up. Two guards were accused of roughing up a prisoner.

Learn rough up while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

rough up in other languages

More words