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Definitions

put upon

[poot-uh-pon, -pawn] / ˈpʊt əˌpɒn, -ˌpɔn /
VERB
beleaguer
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annoy bedevil beset plague
STRONG
badger blockade bother gnaw harry nag persecute pester storm tease vex worry
WEAK
set upon siege
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid make happy please
STRONG
assist help soothe
VERB
oppress
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afflict annoy beat down harass maltreat overwhelm persecute pick on prey on subjugate suppress torment torture trample vex
STRONG
abuse aggrieve burden crush dishearten dispirit distress encumber force harry hound outrage overcome overload overpower overthrow plague press ride rule sadden saddle smother strain subdue tax trouble worry wrong
WEAK
despotize keep down put down put screws to put the squeeze on tyrannize weigh heavy upon
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist comfort help make happy please soothe
STRONG
benefit calm compliment delight encourage give in inspirit leave alone let go praise release surrender yield
WEAK
boost gladden

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.

“And so to put upon yourself that every waking minute is oriented around your kids is not a way to live.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

I want to emphasize the pressure that was put upon me as a new mom to take pain medication after I refused several times.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2026

“We may forget or feel put upon by our responsibilities but we remain whole inside with memories of freedom to express without consequence. We don’t become other people as we age.”

From Salon • May 27, 2024

The Sword is put upon The King, and he sits.

From BBC • May 5, 2023

I have always been one of the worst dancers that God has ever put upon this earth.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride