beat-up

[beet-uhp]

adjective

1. Informal.,  dilapidated; in poor condition from use.

   a beat-up old jalopy.

noun

1. the warpwise count of tufts of pile in the warp of carpets.

beat up

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to strike or kick (a person), usually repeatedly, so as to inflict severe physical damage

2. informal,  to reproach oneself

adjective

1. worn-out; dilapidated

Word History and Origins

Origin of beat up¹

First recorded in 1935–40; adj., noun use of verb phrase beat up

Idioms and Phrases

Strike repeatedly, as in She told the police her husband had beaten her up . [ Slang ; first half of 1900s]

Also, beat up on . Attack verbally, as in That newspaper article really beat up on the town council . [ Slang ; late 1900s]

Related Words

• batter