beat up on

phrase

Synonyms of beat up onnext
: to attack physically or verbally
She was getting beat up on by her critics.

Examples of beat up on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Under Gregg Berhalter, the team mostly beat up on squads they were supposed to, but could also gut out one-goal wins over peers or better teams (Mexico, in particular). John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beat up on was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Beat up on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beat%20up%20on. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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