mess up

Definitions

1. 1

   To make a mess of

   To make a mess of; to untidy, disorder, soil, or muss.

   • The afternoon breeze messed up my hair.
   • […] kwatumas, those aggressive and sharp-toothed eels that so thoroughly mess up one's tackle when hooked […]
2. 2

   To cause a problem with

   To cause a problem with; to introduce an error or mistake in; to make muddled or confused; spoil; ruin.

   • The change messed something up, and it's not working anymore.
3. 3

   To botch, bungle

   To botch, bungle; to perform poorly on.

   • Well, I messed up my solo, but otherwise it was a good concert.
4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To make a mistake

      To make a mistake; to do something incorrectly; to perform poorly.

      • He has a hard time getting started because he's afraid he'll mess up.
      • She messed up on her final exam.
   2. 5

      To cause (another person) to make unwanted mistakes in a given task, usually through…

      To cause (another person) to make unwanted mistakes in a given task, usually through distraction or obnoxious behavior.

      • Stop bumping me! You keep messing me up!
   3. 6

      To damage

      To damage; injure.

      • He messed up his elbow at the track meet.
   4. 7

      To manhandle

      To manhandle; beat up; rough up.

      • Her brother's friends messed him up a little after he cheated on her.
   5. 8

      To discombobulate, utterly confuse, or confound psychologically

      To discombobulate, utterly confuse, or confound psychologically; to throw into a state of mental disarray.

      • That girl totally messed me up, man. I'm not sure who I am anymore.

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