upset

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

verb (used with object)

, up·set, up·set·ting.

1. to overturn:

   to upset a pitcher of milk.

2. to disturb mentally or emotionally; perturb:

   The incident upset her.

   Synonyms: fluster, disconcert, unnerve

   Antonyms: steady

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: steady

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: displace, depose

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)

, up·set, up·set·ting.

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: disturbance, perturbation

4. a disordered or confused arrangement.

   Synonyms: mess

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: annoyed, agitated, disconcerted

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

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

adjective

1. overturned or capsized
2. emotionally or physically disturbed or distressed
3. disordered; confused
4. defeated or overthrown

Derived Forms

• upˈsettable, adjective
• upˈsetter, noun
• upˈsettingly, adverb
• upˈsetting, adjective

Other Words From

• up·setta·ble adjective
• up·setter noun
• up·setting·ly adverb
• unup·set adjective
• unup·setta·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of upset¹

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

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 ūfsetzen to put on, Middle Dutch opzetten

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.

Example Sentences

Most people think that asking a sensitive question will upset the person being asked.

From Freakonomics

That took one of the best options off the table for the Colts, who went 11-5 this season, nearly upset the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs and appear to need only an above-average, experienced quarterback to enter next season as a Super Bowl contender.

From Washington Post

The Giants scored a few plays later,and upset the Patriots, 17-14.

From Washington Post

In the 2019 Netflix movie “Otherhood,” Angela Bassett plays a mom so upset her son forgot Mother’s Day that she moves into his apartment uninvited.

From Washington Post

So I think sometimes that does get to me, and I do get very upset.

From Vox

The banquet was paid for with public funds, and taxpayers were understandably upset.

From The Daily Beast

“I would recommend ginger tea first thing in the morning as a great way to ward off an upset stomach,” says White.

From The Daily Beast

Hitchcock reacts as if he has an upset stomach--and that I gave it to him.

From The Daily Beast

As long as the mirror refused to say that she was the most beautiful woman in the land, she would remain upset.

From The Daily Beast

I thought if I cooperated it would make it better… I was so upset that day.

From The Daily Beast

It would not do to allow his son to do anything that would upset his dignity, though he loved him very much indeed.

From Project Gutenberg

But in a moment a subject was started that entirely diverted his mind and upset the lively tenor of the breakfast-table.

From Project Gutenberg

Wilkins got such a start that he tripped over one of the thwarts in trying to take aim, and nearly upset the boat.

From Project Gutenberg

He was naturally frightfully upset about it, and a regular panic sprang up in the neighbourhood.

From Project Gutenberg

The news caused general concern throughout the house, and Ethne was frightfully upset.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agitate
• bewilder
• dismay
• distract
• disturb
• perturb
• unnerve
• unsettle