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. beat oneself up 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

Example Sentences

With the world thinking they’re soft, the Patriots responded to their coach and beat up the Jets.

From Los Angeles Times

When Ohtani has looked susceptible, it is when he chases breaking stuff away or gets beat up and in with velocity.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week Hastings was so exhausted and beat up after playing Thursday night that while going to math class he asked his girlfriend to help him walk up the stairs.

From Los Angeles Times

He has long favored the language of violence in his political discourse, encouraging supporters to beat up hecklers, threatening to shoot looters and undocumented migrants, mocking a near-fatal attack on the husband of the Democratic House speaker and suggesting that a general he deemed disloyal be executed.

From Salon

Instead, their overlap helped break Kevin Young’s 1992 world record and created one of track’s strongest rivalries as they beat up on one another.

From Los Angeles Times