rough up

verb

roughed up; roughing up; roughs up
Synonyms of rough upnext
informal
: to hit and hurt (someone)
The prisoner claimed that he was roughed up by the guards.

Examples of rough up in a Sentence

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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.
Royals right-handed starter Stephen Kolek was roughed up early. — Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026 Boston starter Brayan Bello (1-2) was roughed up for four runs in four innings. — CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026 Did not hear a peep from Minnesota sports fans when the Timberwolves were roughing up the Nuggets. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 May 2026 Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly rough up slick surfaces so the glue has something to grip, then wipe everything down with an alcohol wipe to remove oils (yes, even on a brand-new book). — Angela Haupt, Time, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rough up

Rhymes for rough up

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Browse Nearby Words

rough-tree rail
rough up
rough-weed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rough up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rough%20up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rough up

Nglish: Translation of rough up for Spanish Speakers

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