Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense upsets, present participle upsetting, past tense, past participle upsetpronunciation note: The verb and adjective are pronounced (ʌpset). The noun is pronounced (ʌpset).
1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If you are upset, you are unhappy or disappointed because something unpleasant has happened to you.
After she died I felt very, very upset.
Marta looked upset.
She sounded upset when I said you couldn't give her an appointment.
They are terribly upset by the break-up of their parents' marriage. [+ by]
[Also + about]
Synonyms: distressed, shaken, disturbed, worried More Synonyms of upset
Upset is also a noun.
...stress and other emotional upsets.
2. verb
If something upsets you, it makes you feel worried or unhappy.
The whole incident had upset me and my fiancee terribly. [VERB noun]
She warned me not to say anything to upset him. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: distress, trouble, disturb, worry More Synonyms of upset
upsettingadjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
Childhood illness can be upsetting for children and parents alike. [+ for]
I will never see him again and that is a terribly upsetting thought.
3. verb
If events upset something such as a procedure or a state of affairs, they cause it to go wrong.
...a deal that would upset the balance of power in the world's gold markets. [VERB noun]
House prices are easily upset by factors which have nothing to do with property. [VERB noun]
Upset is also a noun.
Markets are very sensitive to any upsets in the economic machine. [+ in]
4. verb
If you upset an object, you accidentally knock or push it over so that it scatters over a large area.
Don't upset the piles of sheets under the box. [VERB noun]
...bumping into him, and almost upsetting the ginger ale. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: tip over, overturn, capsize, knock over More Synonyms of upset
5. countable noun
A stomach upset is a slight illness in your stomach caused by an infection or by something that you have eaten.
Paul was unwell last night with a stomach upset.
It wasn't anything serious. A mild stomach upset, that's all.
Synonyms: illness, complaint, disorder, bug [informal] More Synonyms of upset
Upset is also an adjective.
Larry is suffering from an upset stomach.
6. to upset the applecart
More Synonyms of upset
upset in British English
verb (ʌpˈsɛt)Word forms: -sets, -setting or -set(mainly tr)
1. (also intr)
to tip or be tipped over; overturn, capsize, or spill
2.
to disturb the normal state, course, or stability of
to upset the balance of nature
3.
to disturb mentally or emotionally
4.
to defeat or overthrow, usually unexpectedly
5.
to make physically ill
seafood always upsets my stomach
6.
to thicken or spread (the end of a bar, rivet, etc) by forging, hammering, or swagging
noun (ˈʌpˌsɛt)
7.
an unexpected defeat or reversal, as in a contest or plans
8.
a disturbance or disorder of the emotions, body, etc
9.
a tool used to upset a bar or rivet; swage
10.
a forging or bar that has been upset in preparation for further processing
adjective (ʌpˈsɛt)
11.
overturned or capsized
12.
emotionally or physically disturbed or distressed
13.
disordered; confused
14.
defeated or overthrown
Derived forms
upsettable (upˈsettable)
adjective
upsetter (upˈsetter)
noun
upsetting (upˈsetting)
adjective
upsettingly (upˈsettingly)
adverb
Word origin
C14 (in the sense: to set up, erect; C19 in the sense: to overthrow); related to MiddleHigh German ūfsetzen to put on, Middle Dutch opzetten
upset in American English
(ʌpˈsɛt; for n. always, and for adj. also, ˈʌpˌsɛt)
verb transitiveWord forms: upˈset or upˈsetting
1. Obsolete
to set up; erect
2.
a.
to tip over; overturn
to upset a vase
b.
to overthrow or defeat unexpectedly
3.
a.
to disturb the functioning, fulfillment, or completion of
to upset a busy schedule
b.
to disturb mentally or emotionally
upset by bad news
c.
to disturb physically; make sick
to upset the stomach
4. Mechanics
a.
to shorten and thicken (a red-hot iron) by beating on the end
b.
to shorten (a metal tire) in the process of resetting it
verb intransitive
5.
to become overturned or upset
noun
6.
an upsetting or being upset
; specif.,
a.
a tipping over, knocking over, etc.
b.
an unexpected victory or defeat
c.
a disturbance or disorder, specif. of an emotional or physical nature
7. Mechanics
a.
a swage used for upsetting
b.
an upset piece or part
adjective
8. Rare
set up; erected
9.
a.
tipped over; overturned
b.
disturbed or disordered
SYNONYMY NOTE: upset is the ordinary word implying a toppling, disorganization, etc. as a result of aloss of balance or stability [to upset a glass, one's plans, etc.; emotionally upset]; overturn implies a turning of a thing upside down or flat on its side and, in extended use,connotes the destruction of something established [to overturn a chair, a government, etc.]; capsize specifically implies the overturning or upsetting of a boat
Derived forms
upsetter (upˈsetter)
noun
Word origin
ME upsetten: see up1 & set
More idioms containing
upset
upset the applecart
Examples of 'upset' in a sentence
upset
The vegans are upset about the animal fat fivers.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is part of the body's natural recovery process from stress and upsets.
The Sun (2016)
She had a bad stomach upset, the sort of thing that today you knock off in a day.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He has been part of this Liverpool team all season, and putting your best defender into the team rarely upsets the balance.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Insiders said he was also upset at the PM's school reforms.
The Sun (2016)
The last time I upset my parents they did not speak to me for 15 years.
The Sun (2016)
Yet an earlier scene where she gags doing a medical test for money is almost as upsetting.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Would they really tell me something upsetting?
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This is an extremely traumatic time and we are too upset to comment further.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Their manager was upset again and rightly so.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You still sound angry and upset at her continued involvement with her ex.
The Sun (2012)
Too little sleep also upsets the production of stress hormones in the brain.
The Sun (2007)
Let people get upset enough to get organized next time.
Christianity Today (2000)
The same happened when they were asked questions designed to upset or stress them.
The Sun (2016)
The binmen are upset about new pay and conditions.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
My friend was so upset last month.
The Sun (2015)
We would not want to see anything done to upset that.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It has undoubtedly distressed and upset many.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
We were both terribly upset about that.
The Sun (2011)
There were some major upsets on the night.
The Sun (2013)
The art is to be able to avoid all emotional upset about the habit.
Pearce, John (Dr.) Good Habits, Bad Habits (1994)
But they upset a balance which this exhibition now sets out to redress.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
She knows how important it is to avoid upsetting people at a difficult time like this.
The Sun (2009)
It upsets me almost as much as the constitution itself.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Of course, unexpected upsets happen in elections.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Not only does the liquid gold taste delicious but it is widely thought to have health benefits including protecting against infections and settling upset stomachs.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Ordinarily, you'd worry about the unexpected causing upset.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
YES, barring a mega upset.
The Sun (2012)
In other languages
upset
British English: upset /ʌpˈsɛt/ ADJECTIVE
If you are upset, you are unhappy or disappointed because something unpleasant has happened.
They are terribly upset by their parents' divorce.
American English: upset
Arabic: قَلِق
Brazilian Portuguese: aborrecido
Chinese: 生气的
Croatian: uzrujan
Czech: rozčilený
Danish: ulykkelig
Dutch: verdrietig
European Spanish: disgustado
Finnish: järkyttynyt
French: contrarié
German: verstimmt Person
Greek: στενοχωρημένος
Italian: turbato
Japanese: 狼狽した
Korean: 기분이 상한
Norwegian: opprørt
Polish: zaniepokojony
European Portuguese: aborrecido
Romanian: supărat
Russian: расстроенный
Latin American Spanish: disgustado
Swedish: upprörd
Thai: สับสนวุ่นวาย
Turkish: keyfi kaçık
Ukrainian: засмучений
Vietnamese: chán nản
British English: upset VERB
If something upsets you, it makes you feel worried or unhappy.
I'm sorry if I've upset you.
American English: upset
Arabic: يُقْلِقُ
Brazilian Portuguese: aborrecer
Chinese: 使心烦
Croatian: uzrujati
Czech: rozrušit rozčilit
Danish: gøre ked af det
Dutch: van streek maken
European Spanish: disgustar
Finnish: kaataa nurin
French: contrarier
German: umwerfen
Greek: στενοχωρώ
Italian: turbare
Japanese: ひっくり返す
Korean: 속상하게 만들다
Norwegian: forstyrre
Polish: zaniepokoić
European Portuguese: aborrecer
Romanian: a supăra
Russian: переворачивать
Latin American Spanish: disgustar
Swedish: göra upprörd
Thai: ทำให้อารมณ์เสีย
Turkish: keyfini kaçırmak
Ukrainian: засмучувати
Vietnamese: làm cho chán nản
All related terms of 'upset'
tummy upset
an (often short) illness indicating an upset digestive system with symptoms such as a sore stomach , nausea , vomiting and diarrhoea
upset price
the price fixed as the minimum at which something will be sold at an auction
stomach upset
a slight illness affecting your stomach and/or bowels characterized by nausea , vomiting and/or diarrhoea
upset stomach
→ another name for stomach ache
upset the applecart
to cause trouble or spoil something
upset the apple cart
to disrupt a procedure , spoil someone's plans , etc.
to upset the applecart upset sb's applecart
If you upset the applecart , you do something which causes a plan , system, or arrangement to go wrong .
reserve price
A reserve price is the lowest price which is acceptable to the owner of property being auctioned or sold.
stomachache
pain in the stomach or abdominal region, as from acute indigestion
Chinese translation of 'upset'
upset
(vbʌpˈsɛt; nˈʌpsɛt)
Word forms:ptppupset
vt
(= make unhappy)[person]使苦恼(惱) (shǐ kǔnǎo)
(= knock over)[glass etc]打翻 (dǎfān)
(= disturb)[routine, plan]打乱(亂) (dǎluàn)
adj
(= unhappy) 心烦(煩)意乱(亂)的 (xīn fán yì luàn de)
[stomach]不舒服的 (bù shūfu de)
n
to have/get a stomach upset (Brit) 感到肠(腸)胃不适(適) (gǎndào chángwèi bùshì)
to be upset about sth为(為)某事感到烦(煩)恼(惱) (wèi mǒushì gǎndào fánnǎo)
to get upset (= sad) 感到难(難)过(過) (gǎndào nánguò) (= offended) 感到生气(氣) (gǎndào shēngqì)
All related terms of 'upset'
to get upset
( sad ) 感到难(難)过(過) gǎndào nánguò
he's silly to be upset
他这(這)么(麼)难(難)过(過)真是太傻了 tā zhème nánguò zhēnshi tài shǎ le
to be upset about sth
为(為)某事感到烦(煩)恼(惱) wèi mǒushì gǎndào fánnǎo
it doesn't do to upset her
不可以让(讓)她心烦(煩)意乱(亂) bù kěyǐ ràng tā xīnfán yìluàn
to have/get a stomach upset
( Brit ) 感到肠(腸)胃不适(適) gǎndào chángwèi bùshì
1 (adjective)
Definition
emotionally or physically disturbed or distressed
She was really upset when her best friend moved halfway across the world.
Synonyms
distressed
I felt distressed about my problem.
shaken
disturbed
I was disturbed to find out that the dog was missing.
worried
I'm not worried about the future.
troubled
She sounded deeply troubled.
hurt
bothered
confused
unhappy
gutted (British, informal)
put out
dismayed
choked (informal)
grieved
frantic
hassled (informal)
agitated
She seemed agitated about something.
ruffled
cut up (informal)
disconcerted
He was disconcerted to find his fellow diners already seated.
disquieted
overwrought
When I'm feeling overwrought, I try to take some time out to relax.
discomposed
2 (adjective)
Definition
emotionally or physically disturbed or distressed
Larry is suffering from an upset stomach.
Synonyms
sick
We were sick to concede that third goal.
queasy
He was prone to sickness and already felt queasy.
bad
He has a bad back so we have a hard bed.
poorly (informal)
I've just phoned Julie and she's still poorly.
ill
He was seriously ill with pneumonia.
gippy (slang)
3 (adjective)
an upset cart with one wheel off
Synonyms
overturned
toppled
upside down
Tony had an upside-down map of Britain on his wall.
capsized
spilled
tumbled
tipped over
4 (adjective)
Synonyms
disordered
a disordered heap of mossy branches
confused
The situation remains confused as both sides claim victory.
Everything lay in a confused heap on the floor.
chaotic
My house is always a chaotic mess.
muddled
a muddled pile of historical manuscripts
messed up
in disarray
topsy-turvy
The world has turned topsy-turvy in my lifetime.
at sixes and sevens
in disorder
disarrayed
5 (adjective)
Synonyms
conquered
beaten
They had looked a beaten side with just seven minutes left.
defeated
He'll be disinclined to treat a defeated enemy with leniency.
overcome
overthrown
vanquished
1 (verb)
Definition
to disturb mentally or emotionally
She warned me not to say anything to upset him.
Synonyms
distress
I did not want to frighten or distress her.
trouble
Is anything troubling you?
disturb
He had been disturbed by the news of the attack.
worry
‘Why didn't you tell us?’ – ‘Didn't want to worry you.’
alarm
We could not see what had alarmed him.
bother
That kind of jealousy doesn't bother me.
dismay
The committee was dismayed by what it had been told.
grieve
It grieved me to see him in such distress.
hassle (informal)
agitate
The thought of them inheriting all these things agitated her.
ruffle
My refusal to let him ruffle me infuriated him.
unnerve
The news about Dermot had unnerved me.
disconcert
My lack of response clearly disconcerted him.
disquiet
She was obviously disquieted by the experience.
fluster
She was calm. Nothing could fluster her.
perturb
He didn't seem to be perturbed by the news.
faze
throw someone off balance
give someone grief (British, South Africa)
discompose
2 (verb)
Definition
to turn or tip over
bumping into him, and almost upsetting the ginger ale
Synonyms
tip over
We grabbed it just as it was about to tip over.
overturn
The lorry went out of control, overturned and smashed into a wall.
Two salmon fishermen died when their boat overturned.
capsize
The sea got very rough and the boat capsized.
knock over
spill
He always spilled the drinks.
topple over
3 (verb)
Definition
to disrupt the normal state or progress of
I was wondering whether that might upset my level of concentration.
Synonyms
mess up
spoil
It is important not to let mistakes spoil your life.
disturb
His notes had not been disturbed.
change
confuse
She was confused by this new turn of events.
disorder
unsettle
The presence of the two police officers unsettled her.
mix up
disorganize
turn topsy-turvy
put out of order
throw into disorder
4 (verb)
The champion was upset by a rank outsider.
Synonyms
defeat
He swore to defeat the plan.
overcome
the satisfaction of overcoming a rival
conquer
a Navajo myth about a great warrior who conquers the spiritual enemies of his people
overthrow
The government was overthrown in a military coup three years ago.
triumph over
get the better of
be victorious over
1 (noun)
a source of continuity in times of worry and upset
Synonyms
distress
worry
Robert's health had always been a worry to his wife.
trouble
You've caused a lot of trouble.
shock
The extent of the violence came as a shock.
bother
Most men hate the bother of shaving.
disturbance
The home would cause less disturbance than a school.
hassle (informal)
I don't think it's worth the money or the hassle.
disquiet
There is growing public disquiet.
agitation
He was in a state of emotional agitation.
discomposure
2 (noun)
Definition
an unexpected defeat or reversal, as in a contest or plans
She caused a major upset when she beat last year's finalist.
Synonyms
reversal
They teach managers to accept reversal.
surprise
shake-up (informal)
defeat
sudden change
3 (noun)
Definition
a disturbance or disorder of the emotions, mind, or body
Paul was unwell last night with a stomach upset.
Synonyms
illness
She returned to her family home to recover from an illness.
complaint
Eczema is a common skin complaint.
disorder
a rare nerve disorder that can cause paralysis of the arms
bug (informal)
I think I've got a bit of a stomach bug.
disturbance
Poor educational performance is linked to emotional disturbances.
sickness
a sickness that affects children
malady
He was stricken at twenty-one with a crippling malady.
queasiness
indisposition
Additional synonyms
in the sense of agitate
Definition
to excite, disturb, or trouble
The thought of them inheriting all these things agitated her.
Synonyms
upset,
worry,
trouble,
disturb,
excite,
alarm,
stimulate,
distract,
rouse,
ruffle,
inflame,
incite,
unnerve,
disconcert,
disquiet,
fluster,
perturb,
faze,
work someone up,
give someone grief (British, South Africa),
arouse,
ferment
in the sense of agitated
She seemed agitated about something.
Synonyms
upset,
worried,
troubled,
disturbed,
shaken,
excited,
alarmed,
nervous,
anxious,
distressed,
rattled (informal),
distracted,
uneasy,
unsettled,
worked up,
ruffled,
unnerved,
disconcerted,
disquieted,
edgy,
flustered,
perturbed,
on edge,
fazed,
ill at ease,
hot under the collar (informal),
in a flap (informal),
hot and bothered (informal),
antsy (informal),
angsty,
all of a flutter (informal),
discomposed,
flapping (informal)
in the sense of agitation
He was in a state of emotional agitation.
Synonyms
turmoil,
worry,
trouble,
upset,
alarm,
confusion,
excitement,
disturbance,
distraction,
upheaval,
stimulation,
flurry,
outcry,
clamour,
arousal,
ferment,
disquiet,
commotion,
fluster,
lather (informal),
incitement,
tumult,
discomposure,
tizzy, tizz or tiz-woz (informal)
Synonyms of 'upset'
upset
Explore 'upset' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of alarm
Definition
to fill with fear
We could not see what had alarmed him.
Synonyms
frighten,
shock,
scare,
panic,
distress,
terrify,
startle,
rattle,
dismay,
daunt,
unnerve,
terrorize,
put the wind up (informal),
give (someone) a turn (informal),
scare the bejesus out of (informal),
make (someone's) hair stand on end
in the sense of bad
He has a bad back so we have a hard bed.
Synonyms
injured,
damaged,
diseased,
hurt,
sick,
weak,
ailing,
unhealthy,
dicky (British, informal)
in the sense of beaten
They had looked a beaten side with just seven minutes left.
Synonyms
defeated,
overcome,
frustrated,
overwhelmed,
cowed,
thwarted,
trounced,
vanquished,
disheartened
in the sense of bother
Definition
to trouble (a person) by repeatedly disturbing
That kind of jealousy doesn't bother me.
Synonyms
trouble,
concern,
worry,
upset,
alarm,
disturb,
distress,
annoy,
dismay,
gall,
disconcert,
vex,
perturb,
faze,
put or get someone's back up
in the sense of bother
Definition
a state of worry, trouble, or confusion
Most men hate the bother of shaving.
Synonyms
trouble,
problem,
worry,
difficulty,
strain,
grief (British, South Africa),
fuss,
pest,
irritation,
hassle (informal),
nuisance,
flurry,
uphill (South Africa),
inconvenience,
annoyance,
aggravation (informal),
vexation
in the sense of bug
Definition
a minor illness caused by a germ or virus
I think I've got a bit of a stomach bug.
Synonyms
illness,
disease,
complaint,
virus,
infection,
disorder,
sickness,
ailment,
malaise,
affliction,
malady,
lurgy (informal)
in the sense of capsize
Definition
(of a boat) to overturn accidentally
The sea got very rough and the boat capsized.
Synonyms
overturn,
turn over,
invert,
tip over,
keel over,
turn turtle,
upset
in the sense of chaotic
My house is always a chaotic mess.
Synonyms
disordered,
confused,
uncontrolled,
anarchic,
tumultuous,
lawless,
riotous,
topsy-turvy,
disorganized,
purposeless,
rampageous
in the sense of complaint
Definition
a mild illness
Eczema is a common skin complaint.
Synonyms
disorder,
problem,
trouble,
disease,
upset,
illness,
sickness,
ailment,
affliction,
malady,
indisposition
in the sense of confuse
Definition
to throw into disorder
She was confused by this new turn of events.
Synonyms
disconcert,
upset,
embarrass,
rattle (informal),
confound,
unnerve,
disorient,
mortify,
demoralize,
discomfit,
throw off balance,
discountenance,
nonplus,
abash,
discompose,
throw into disorder
Additional synonyms
in the sense of confused
Definition
disordered and difficult to understand or make sense of
The situation remains confused as both sides claim victory.Everything lay in a confused heap on the floor.
Synonyms
disorderly,
disordered,
chaotic,
mixed up,
jumbled,
untidy,
out of order,
in disarray,
topsy-turvy,
disorganized,
higgledy-piggledy (informal),
at sixes and sevens,
disarranged,
hugger-mugger (archaic),
disarrayed
in the sense of conquer
Definition
to defeat (an opponent or opponents)
a Navajo myth about a great warrior who conquers the spiritual enemies of his people
Synonyms
defeat,
overcome,
overthrow,
beat,
stuff (slang),
master,
tank (slang),
triumph,
crush,
humble,
lick (informal),
undo,
subdue,
rout,
overpower,
quell,
get the better of,
clobber (slang),
vanquish,
subjugate,
prevail over,
checkmate,
run rings around (informal),
wipe the floor with (informal),
make mincemeat of (informal),
put in their place,
blow out of the water (slang),
bring to their knees
in the sense of defeated
He'll be disinclined to treat a defeated enemy with leniency.
Synonyms
beaten,
crushed,
conquered,
worsted,
routed,
overcome,
overwhelmed,
thrashed,
licked (informal),
thwarted,
overpowered,
balked,
trounced,
vanquished,
checkmated,
bested
in the sense of discompose
Definition
to disturb or upset someone
Synonyms
disturb,
worry,
upset,
confuse,
embarrass,
provoke,
annoy,
rattle (informal),
irritate,
unsettle,
bewilder,
hassle (informal),
flurry,
fret,
agitate,
ruffle,
perplex,
unnerve,
disconcert,
nettle,
vex,
displease,
fluster,
perturb,
faze,
discomfit
in the sense of disconcert
Definition
to disturb the confidence or self-possession of
My lack of response clearly disconcerted him.
Synonyms
disturb,
worry,
trouble,
upset,
confuse,
rattle (informal),
baffle,
put off,
unsettle,
bewilder,
shake up (informal),
undo,
flurry,
agitate,
ruffle,
perplex,
unnerve,
unbalance,
take aback,
fluster,
perturb,
faze,
flummox,
throw off balance,
nonplus,
abash,
discompose,
put out of countenance
in the sense of disconcerted
He was disconcerted to find his fellow diners already seated.
Synonyms
disturbed,
worried,
troubled,
thrown (informal),
upset,
confused,
embarrassed,
annoyed,
rattled (informal),
distracted,
at sea,
unsettled,
bewildered,
shook up (informal),
flurried,
ruffled,
taken aback,
flustered,
perturbed,
fazed,
nonplussed,
flummoxed,
caught off balance,
out of countenance
in the sense of dismay
Definition
to fill with alarm or depression
The committee was dismayed by what it had been told.
Synonyms
alarm,
frighten,
scare,
panic,
distress,
terrify,
appal,
startle,
horrify,
paralyse,
unnerve,
put the wind up (someone) (informal),
give (someone) a turn (informal),
affright,
fill with consternation
in the sense of disorder
Definition
an illness
a rare nerve disorder that can cause paralysis of the arms
Synonyms
illness,
disease,
complaint,
condition,
sickness,
ailment,
affliction,
malady,
infirmity,
indisposition
in the sense of disquiet
Definition
to make (someone) anxious
She was obviously disquieted by the experience.
Synonyms
make uneasy,
concern,
worry,
trouble,
upset,
bother,
disturb,
distress,
annoy,
plague,
unsettle,
harass,
hassle (informal),
agitate,
vex,
perturb,
discompose,
incommode
in the sense of disquiet
Definition
a feeling of anxiety or uneasiness
There is growing public disquiet.
Synonyms
uneasiness,
concern,
fear,
worry,
alarm,
anxiety,
distress,
unrest,
angst,
nervousness,
trepidation (formal),
foreboding,
restlessness,
fretfulness,
disquietude
Additional synonyms
in the sense of disturb
Definition
to upset or worry
He had been disturbed by the news of the attack.
Synonyms
upset,
concern,
worry,
trouble,
shake,
excite,
alarm,
confuse,
distress,
distract,
dismay,
unsettle,
agitate,
ruffle,
confound,
unnerve,
vex,
fluster,
perturb,
derange,
discompose
in the sense of disturb
Definition
to disarrange
His notes had not been disturbed.
Synonyms
muddle,
disorder,
mix up,
mess up,
disorganize,
jumble up,
disarrange,
muss (US, Canadian)
in the sense of disturbance
Definition
an interruption or intrusion
The home would cause less disturbance than a school.
Synonyms
upset,
bother,
disorder,
confusion,
distraction,
intrusion,
interruption,
annoyance,
agitation,
hindrance,
perturbation,
derangement
in the sense of disturbance
Poor educational performance is linked to emotional disturbances.
Synonyms
problem,
disorder,
upset,
trouble
in the sense of disturbed
Definition
emotionally upset, troubled, or maladjusted
I was disturbed to find out that the dog was missing.
Synonyms
worried,
concerned,
troubled,
upset,
bothered,
nervous,
anxious,
uneasy,
agitated,
disquieted,
apprehensive,
antsy (informal),
angsty (informal)
in the sense of fluster
Definition
to make or become nervous or upset
She was calm. Nothing could fluster her.
Synonyms
upset,
bother,
disturb,
ruffle,
heat,
excite,
confuse,
hurry,
rattle (informal),
bustle,
hassle (informal),
flurry,
agitate,
confound,
unnerve,
perturb,
throw off balance,
make nervous
in the sense of grieve
Definition
to feel or cause to feel great sorrow or distress
It grieved me to see him in such distress.
Synonyms
sadden,
hurt,
injure,
distress,
wound,
crush,
pain,
afflict,
upset,
agonize,
break the heart of,
make your heart bleed
in the sense of hassle
Definition
a great deal of trouble
I don't think it's worth the money or the hassle.
Synonyms
trouble,
problem,
difficulty,
upset,
bother,
grief (informal),
trial,
struggle,
uphill (South Africa),
inconvenience
in the sense of ill
Definition
not in good health
He was seriously ill with pneumonia.
Synonyms
unwell,
sick,
poorly (informal),
diseased,
funny (informal),
weak,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, slang),
ailing,
queer,
frail,
feeble,
unhealthy,
seedy (informal),
sickly,
laid up (informal),
queasy,
infirm,
out of sorts (informal),
dicky (British, informal),
nauseous,
off-colour,
under the weather (informal),
at death's door,
indisposed,
peaky,
on the sick list (informal),
valetudinarian,
green about the gills,
not up to snuff (informal)
in the sense of malady
Definition
any disease or illness
He was stricken at twenty-one with a crippling malady.
Synonyms
disease,
complaint,
illness,
disorder,
sickness,
ailment,
affliction,
infirmity,
ill,
indisposition,
lurgy (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of muddled
a muddled pile of historical manuscripts
Synonyms
jumbled,
confused,
disordered,
scrambled,
tangled,
chaotic,
messy,
mixed-up,
disorganized,
higgledy-piggledy (informal),
disarrayed
in the sense of overcome
Definition
to defeat (someone) in a conflict
the satisfaction of overcoming a rival
Synonyms
defeat,
beat,
conquer,
master,
tank (slang),
crush,
overwhelm,
overthrow,
lick (informal),
undo,
subdue,
rout,
overpower,
quell,
triumph over,
best,
get the better of,
trounce,
worst,
clobber (slang),
stuff (slang),
vanquish,
surmount,
subjugate,
prevail over,
wipe the floor with (informal),
make mincemeat of (informal),
blow (someone) out of the water (slang),
come out on top of (informal),
bring (someone) to their knees (informal),
render incapable,
render powerless,
be victorious over,
render helpless
in the sense of overthrow
Definition
to defeat and replace (a ruler or government) by force
The government was overthrown in a military coup three years ago.
Synonyms
defeat,
beat,
master,
overcome,
crush,
overwhelm,
conquer,
bring down,
oust,
lick (informal),
topple,
subdue,
rout,
overpower,
do away with,
depose,
trounce,
unseat,
vanquish (literary),
subjugate,
dethrone
in the sense of overturn
Definition
to turn over or upside down
The lorry went out of control, overturned and smashed into a wall.Two salmon fishermen died when their boat overturned.
Synonyms
tip over,
spill,
topple,
upturn,
capsize,
upend,
keel over,
overbalance
in the sense of overwrought
Definition
tense, nervous, and agitated
When I'm feeling overwrought, I try to take some time out to relax.
Synonyms
distraught,
upset,
excited,
desperate,
wired (slang),
anxious,
distressed,
tense,
distracted,
frantic,
in a state,
hysterical,
wound up (informal),
worked up (informal),
agitated,
uptight (informal),
on edge,
strung out (informal),
out of your mind,
keyed up,
overexcited,
in a tizzy (informal),
at the end of your tether,
wrought-up,
beside yourself,
in a twitter (informal),
tooshie (Australian, slang),
adrenalized
in the sense of perturb
Definition
to disturb the composure of
He didn't seem to be perturbed by the news.
Synonyms
disturb,
worry,
trouble,
upset,
alarm,
bother,
unsettle,
agitate,
ruffle,
unnerve,
disconcert,
disquiet,
vex,
fluster,
faze,
discountenance,
discompose
in the sense of poorly
Definition
rather ill
I've just phoned Julie and she's still poorly.
Synonyms
ill,
sick,
ailing,
unwell,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
seedy (informal),
below par,
out of sorts,
off colour,
under the weather (informal),
indisposed,
feeling rotten (informal)
in the sense of queasy
Definition
having the feeling that one is about to vomit
He was prone to sickness and already felt queasy.
Synonyms
sick,
ill,
nauseous,
squeamish,
upset,
uncomfortable,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
queer,
unwell,
giddy,
nauseated,
groggy (informal),
off colour,
bilious,
indisposed,
green about the gills (informal),
sickish
in the sense of ruffle
Definition
to annoy or irritate
My refusal to let him ruffle me infuriated him.
Synonyms
annoy,
worry,
trouble,
upset,
confuse,
stir,
disturb,
rattle (informal),
irritate,
put out,
unsettle,
shake up (informal),
harass,
hassle (informal),
agitate,
unnerve,
disconcert,
disquiet,
nettle,
vex,
fluster,
perturb,
faze,
peeve (informal),
hack off (informal)
in the sense of shock
Definition
something causing this
The extent of the violence came as a shock.
Synonyms
upset,
blow,
trauma,
bombshell,
turn (informal),
distress,
disturbance,
consternation,
whammy (informal),
state of shock,
rude awakening,
bolt from the blue,
prostration
Additional synonyms
in the sense of sickness
Definition
a particular illness or disease
a sickness that affects children
Synonyms
illness,
disorder,
ailment,
disease,
complaint,
bug (informal),
affliction,
malady,
infirmity,
indisposition,
lurgy (informal)
in the sense of spill
He always spilled the drinks.
Synonyms
tip over,
upset,
overturn,
capsize,
knock over,
topple over
in the sense of spoil
Definition
to make (something) less valuable, beautiful, or useful
It is important not to let mistakes spoil your life.
Synonyms
ruin,
destroy,
wreck,
damage,
total (slang),
blow (slang),
injure,
upset,
harm,
mar,
scar,
undo,
trash (slang),
impair,
mess up,
blemish,
disfigure,
debase,
deface,
put a damper on,
crool or cruel (Australian, slang)
in the sense of topsy-turvy
Definition
in a state of confusion
The world has turned topsy-turvy in my lifetime.
Synonyms
confused,
upside-down,
disorderly,
chaotic,
messy,
mixed-up,
jumbled,
inside-out,
untidy,
disorganized,
disarranged
in the sense of trouble
Definition
to cause trouble to
Is anything troubling you?
Synonyms
bother,
worry,
upset,
disturb,
distress,
annoy,
plague,
grieve,
torment,
harass,
hassle (informal),
afflict,
pain,
fret,
agitate,
sadden,
perplex,
disconcert,
disquiet,
pester,
vex,
perturb,
faze,
give someone grief (British, South Africa),
discompose,
put or get someone's back up,
hack you off (informal)
in the sense of trouble
Definition
difficulties or problems
You've caused a lot of trouble.
Synonyms
bother,
problems,
concern,
worry,
stress,
difficulty,
anxiety,
distress,
grief (British, South Africa),
irritation,
hassle (informal),
strife,
inconvenience,
unease,
disquiet,
annoyance,
agitation,
commotion,
unpleasantness,
vexation
in the sense of troubled
She sounded deeply troubled.
Synonyms
anxious,
concerned,
worried,
upset,
bothered,
disturbed,
distressed,
dismayed,
uneasy,
unsettled,
agitated,
disconcerted,
apprehensive,
perturbed,
ill at ease,
discomposed
in the sense of unnerve
Definition
to cause to lose courage, confidence, or self-control
The news about Dermot had unnerved me.
Synonyms
shake,
upset,
disconcert,
disturb,
intimidate,
frighten,
rattle (informal),
discourage,
dismay,
daunt,
disarm,
confound,
fluster,
faze,
unman,
demoralize,
unhinge,
psych out (informal),
throw off balance,
dishearten,
dispirit
in the sense of unsettle
Definition
to confuse or agitate a person or the mind
The presence of the two police officers unsettled her.
Synonyms
disturb,
trouble,
upset,
throw (informal),
bother,
confuse,
disorder,
rattle (informal),
agitate,
ruffle,
unnerve,
disconcert,
unbalance,
fluster,
perturb,
faze,
throw into confusion,
throw off balance,
discompose,
throw into disorder,
throw into uproar
in the sense of upside down
Definition
with the bottom where the top would normally be
Tony had an upside-down map of Britain on his wall.
Synonyms
inverted,
overturned,
upturned,
on its head,
bottom up,
wrong side up
Additional synonyms
in the sense of worried
Definition
concerned and anxious about things that may happen
I'm not worried about the future.
Synonyms
anxious,
concerned,
troubled,
upset,
afraid,
bothered,
frightened,
wired (slang),
nervous,
disturbed,
distressed,
tense,
distracted,
uneasy,
fearful,
tormented,
distraught,
apprehensive,
perturbed,
on edge,
ill at ease,
overwrought,
fretful,
hot and bothered,
unquiet,
antsy (informal)
in the sense of worry
Definition
to annoy or bother
‘Why didn't you tell us?’ – ‘Didn't want to worry you.’
Synonyms
trouble,
upset,
harry,
bother,
disturb,
distress,
annoy,
plague,
irritate,
tease,
unsettle,
torment,
harass,
hassle (informal),
badger,
hector,
disquiet,
pester,
vex,
perturb,
tantalize,
importune (formal),
make anxious
in the sense of worry
Definition
a cause for anxiety
Robert's health had always been a worry to his wife.