rough up

verb

1. informal,  to treat violently; beat up

2. to cause (feathers, hair, etc) to stand up by rubbing against the grain

Idioms and Phrases

Manhandle, subject to physical abuse, as in The gang was about to rough him up when the police arrived. [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

“The skies are a little rough up here,” he remarked with a wry smile, before mentioning that people will think he’s not in good health — but it was really the turbulence causing the problem.

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They don’t go into neighborhoods with intimidation on their mind and ready to rough up anyone who gets in their way.

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Doesn't mind being roughed up, it doesn't bother him if he doesn't have many touches.

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Now, members of the opposition — duly elected Democratic politicians — are being brought to heel, arrested and roughed up.

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After one of his charges roughed up a lower-classman and Trump was nowhere to be found, he was finally removed from his post.

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Related Words

• beat up 
• maltreat 
• manhandle 
• mistreat