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

“We will beat up anime kids. … We will bring the American family back to the woods, back to self-sufficiency. … We will oust illegal immigrants with zero mercy.”

From Salon

He was beaten up in a park for intervening in a racist incident and had to run for his "dear life" through the city centre, chased by thugs.

From BBC

“We’ve been beating up on each other a lot,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Later in the series, we see Walker being beaten up by a gang of white youths.

From BBC