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Definitions

bust up

[buhst-uhp] / ˈbʌstˌʌp /
VERB
break
Synonyms
STRONGEST
burst crack crash crush damage fracture separate sever shatter smash snap split tear
STRONG
annihilate batter bust demolish disintegrate divide eradicate fragment part rend shiver splinter torpedo total trash
WEAK
finish off make hash of make mincemeat of pull to pieces
Antonyms
STRONGEST
combine fix join mend unite
STRONG
connect
WEAK
attach fasten put together secure stabilize strengthen
VERB
dispel
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allay chase away dismiss disperse dissipate eliminate resolve
STRONG
banish cancel crumble deploy disband disintegrate distribute eject expel oust repel rout scatter scramble
WEAK
beat off break it up break up split up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accept collect gather keep welcome
STRONG
allow hold permit take in
WEAK
accumulate garner recall
VERB
rive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disintegrate divide fracture rend shatter splinter
STRONG
annihilate batter burst bust crack crash crush damage demolish eradicate fragment part separate sever shiver smash snap split sunder tear torpedo total trash
WEAK
finish off make hash of make mincemeat of pull to pieces rift
Antonyms
STRONGEST
combine fix mend unite
STRONG
aid help join let go lose repair

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"At no stage was there any bust up or anything like that," Key told BBC Sport.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

That college game day experience seems a non-factor in the decision to bust up the league.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 13, 2023

Ng5 f4!, looking to bust up the White defensive fortress.

From Washington Times • Jun. 13, 2023

He began to work with various wildlife protection nonprofits, then joined a series of U.N. and Interpol undercover operations in China and Vietnam to bust up the illegal trade in elephant ivory.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 11, 2022

So it may be that by the mid-1940s, when Stetson Kennedy was trying to bust up the Klan, it didn’t really need to use as much violence.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt