bust up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To physically damage or ruin; to be ruined; to go bankrupt; to end (something).
Register: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
If I was school . . . I’d capitulate tomorrow. I’d bonfire the books, drain the inkwells and bust up the blackboard — if only he would stop hating. It’s wearing me out!
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 break up (end a relationship).
Register: informal
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To shoot (someone).
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “bust up” mean?
To physically damage or ruin; to be ruined; to go bankrupt; to end (something).
Is “bust up” formal or informal?
bust up is generally informal.