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]

Example Sentences

Sadly, he only sells enough tomes to keep gas in his beat-up van and pursue his calling as Tulsa’s resident “truthstorian,” a blend of journalist and conspiracist.

From Salon

Finally, Lewis bought his cousin a beat-up Plymouth and loaned Swaggart his backup musicians and studio time to record a gospel album.

From Los Angeles Times

A line of cars — BMWs, Nissans, shiny SUVs, beat-up sedans — wrapped around to Lake, even though the giveaway wouldn’t start for another 15 minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

There are clashes and there is closure, but mostly there’s just Vera, bustling around in that ratty coat and beat-up car, to solve the case, save the day and aid the afflicted.

From Los Angeles Times

As a young researcher, he once parked a beat-up car in a middle-class suburban neighborhood of Palo Alto, and during three days of observation, noticed that the car was left untouched.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• batter