take (something) out on (someone)

verb

took (something) out on (someone); taken (something) out on (someone); taking (something) out on (someone); takes (something) out on (someone)
: to treat someone badly because one feels angry, frustrated, etc.
workers who go home and take out their frustration on their families
I'm sorry you didn't get the job, but don't take it out on me.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Take (something) out on (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20%28something%29%20out%20on%20%28someone%29. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster