upset; upsetting
Definition of upset
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: to thicken and shorten (something, such as a heated bar of iron) by hammering on the end : swage
2
: to force out of the usual upright, level, or proper position : overturn
3a
: to trouble mentally or emotionally : disturb the poise of
the news upset me
b
: to throw into disorder
c
: invalidate
d
: to defeat unexpectedly
was upset in the primary
4
: to cause a physical disorder in
specifically
: to make somewhat ill
spicy food upsets my stomach
: to become overturned
upset the apple cart
: to disturb or overturn a natural or stable order
upset
nounDefinition of upset (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: an act of overturning : overturn
2a(1)
: an act of throwing into disorder : derangement
(2)
: a state of disorder : confusion
b
: an unexpected defeat
3a
: a minor physical disorder
a stomach upset
b
: an emotional disturbance
went through a big upset after his father's death
4a
: a part of a rod (such as the head on a bolt) that is upset
b
: the expansion of a bullet on striking
upset
adjectiveDefinition of upset (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: emotionally disturbed or agitated
was too upset to speak to him
2
: affected with minor physicial disturbance or disorder
an upset stomach
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz
-
- Which is a synonym of perdure?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share upset
Time Traveler for upset
The first known use of upset was in 1677
See more words from the same year