beat up on

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To hurt someone by hitting or kicking them many times.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

She beat up on me pretty bad.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To criticize someone unfairly.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Synonym of beat on.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “beat up on” mean?

To hurt someone by hitting or kicking them many times.

Is “beat up on” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.