begin upon
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To physically attack (someone or something).
Register: archaic
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The wolf began upon the deer.
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 verbally attack (someone or something).
Register: archaic
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “begin upon” mean?
To physically attack (someone or something).
Is “begin upon” formal or informal?
begin upon is generally archaic.