rough up
The phrase "rough up" is commonly used to describe physical aggression or harsh treatment towards someone or something.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To treat someone violently, often by physical attack or beating.
Example
- The gang threatened to rough him up if he didn't pay.
B2General
(informal)To handle something harshly, causing damage or roughness.
Example
- The carpenter roughed up the surface of the wood to prepare it for painting.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "rough up":
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