bruise up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To cause bruises to appear, usually by beating or battering.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To show or get bruises.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “bruise up” mean?
To cause bruises to appear, usually by beating or battering.
Is “bruise up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.