UPSET Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

upset

[ verb adjective uhp-set; noun uhp-set ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

upset, upsetting.

to overturn:
to upset a pitcher of milk.
to disturb mentally or emotionally; perturb:
The incident upset her.
Synonyms: , ,
Antonyms:
to disturb or derange completely; put out of order; throw into disorder:
to upset a system; to upset a mechanism; to upset an apartment.
Antonyms:
to disturb physically:
It upset his stomach.
to defeat or overthrow an opponent that is considered more formidable, as in war, politics, or sports.
Synonyms: ,
Metalworking. to thicken the end of (a piece of heated metal) by hammering on the end against the length of the piece.

verb (used without object)

upset, upsetting.

to become upset or overturned.

noun

an upsetting or instance of being upset; overturn; overthrow.
the defeat of a person, team, etc., that is considered more formidable.
a nervous, irritable state of mind.
Synonyms: ,
a disordered or confused arrangement.
Synonyms:
Metalworking.
1. a tool used for upsetting.
2. something that is upset, as a bar end.

adjective

overturned:
an upset milk pail.
disordered; disorganized:
The house is upset.
distressed; disturbed:
She had an upset stomach. He is emotionally upset.
Synonyms: , ,
Archaic. raised up.

upset

verb

also intr to tip or be tipped over; overturn, capsize, or spill
to disturb the normal state, course, or stability of
to upset the balance of nature
to disturb mentally or emotionally
to defeat or overthrow, usually unexpectedly
to make physically ill
seafood always upsets my stomach
to thicken or spread (the end of a bar, rivet, etc) by forging, hammering, or swagging

noun

an unexpected defeat or reversal, as in a contest or plans
a disturbance or disorder of the emotions, body, etc
a tool used to upset a bar or rivet; swage
a forging or bar that has been upset in preparation for further processing

adjective

overturned or capsized
emotionally or physically disturbed or distressed
disordered; confused
defeated or overthrown

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Derived Forms

�ܱ�ˈ��ٳٱ��, noun
�ܱ�ˈ��ٳٲ��, adjective
�ܱ�ˈ��ٳپ��Բ��, adverb
�ܱ�ˈ��ٳپ��Բ�, adjective

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

�ܱ�·��t��·�� adjective
�ܱ�·��t�� noun
�ܱ�·��t��Բ�·�� adverb
�ܲ�u��·�� adjective
un�ܱ�·��t��·�� adjective

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of upset¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English: “raised up”; up-, set

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of upset¹

C14 (in the sense: to set up, erect; C19 in the sense: to overthrow); related to Middle High German ū�ڲ��ٳ�� to put on, Middle Dutch opzetten

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Synonym Study

Upset, capsize, overturn imply a change from an upright or other stable position to a prostrate one. Upset is a familiar word, applied to simple, everyday actions: to upset a table, a glass of water. Capsize is applied especially to the upsetting of a boat or other vessel: to capsize a canoe. Overturn usually suggests violence in upsetting something supposedly stable: The earthquake overturned houses. All three are used figuratively, also: to upset the stock market; to capsize a plan; to overturn a government.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It later emerged she was spotted on that day by a retired man out for a walk who remembered a woman emerging from the woodland looking visibly upset.

From

Many are still upset by what happened that night, and afraid that the threat of martial law could be brandished again by future zealous politicians.

From

The disturbances have upset residents, prompting complaints to local police who have had little recourse because his speech is protected by the 1st Amendment and no victims came forward.

From

Ms Lea-Wilson said Halen Môn's distributor told her they were "very upset" and were taking legal advice to see how they could help her business.

From

Experts believe Beijing has good reason to be upset.

From

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