Advertisement

View synonyms for

upset

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

verb (used with object)

upset, upsetting.
  1. to overturn:

    to upset a pitcher of milk.

  2. to disturb mentally or emotionally; perturb:

    The incident upset her.

    Synonyms: , ,

    Antonyms:

  3. 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:

  4. to disturb physically:

    It upset his stomach.

  5. to defeat or overthrow an opponent that is considered more formidable, as in war, politics, or sports.

    Synonyms: ,

  6. 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.
  1. to become upset or overturned.

noun

  1. an upsetting or instance of being upset; overturn; overthrow.
  2. the defeat of a person, team, etc., that is considered more formidable.
  3. a nervous, irritable state of mind.

    Synonyms: ,

  4. a disordered or confused arrangement.

    Synonyms:

  5. Metalworking.
    1. a tool used for upsetting.
    2. something that is upset, as a bar end.

adjective

  1. overturned:

    an upset milk pail.

  2. disordered; disorganized:

    The house is upset.

  3. distressed; disturbed:

    She had an upset stomach. He is emotionally upset.

    Synonyms: , ,

  4. Archaic. raised up.

upset

verb

  1. also intr to tip or be tipped over; overturn, capsize, or spill
  2. to disturb the normal state, course, or stability of

    to upset the balance of nature

  3. to disturb mentally or emotionally
  4. to defeat or overthrow, usually unexpectedly
  5. to make physically ill

    seafood always upsets my stomach

  6. to thicken or spread (the end of a bar, rivet, etc) by forging, hammering, or swagging
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. an unexpected defeat or reversal, as in a contest or plans
  2. a disturbance or disorder of the emotions, body, etc
  3. a tool used to upset a bar or rivet; swage
  4. a forging or bar that has been upset in preparation for further processing
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. overturned or capsized
  2. emotionally or physically disturbed or distressed
  3. disordered; confused
  4. defeated or overthrown
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ܱˈٳٱ, noun
  • ܱˈٳٲ, adjective
  • ܱˈٳپԲ, adverb
  • ܱˈٳپԲ, adjective
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • ܱ·t· adjective
  • ܱ·t noun
  • ܱ·tԲ· adverb
  • ܲu· adjective
  • unܱ·t· adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of upset1

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

Word 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 ūڲٳ to put on, Middle Dutch opzetten
Discover More

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.
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Lucy had always been happy with him, Ossai said, and he thought taking her into care had upset her, especially placing her with white foster carers.

From

"I honestly never meant to upset anyone. I thought I was going in every day and just delivering what was wanted. I didn't realise I was causing any problems."

From

Marten said: "I don't think this process has really allowed me to grieve properly. I still feel angry, upset. Still an element of shock".

From

An Idaho woman who was dragged from a Republican town hall in Coeur d'Alene in February plans to sue the county sheriff and private security firm responsible for her upsetting removal.

From

Some conservatives were upset by his choice to shun such trappings as richly adorned papal vestments and the lavish apartment in the penthouse of the Apostolic Palace.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


up-sellupset price