rough up

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.

Another character pretended to rough up the first character until the sign opened to say “ICE CREAM,” and then everyone danced happily.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

We've not seen anyone else rough up the Gunners like that this season, and Sunderland were more than a match for them.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

“The skies are a little rough up here,” he remarked with a wry smile, before mentioning that people will think he’s not in good health — but it was really the turbulence causing the problem.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

Quarterback Justin Herbert’s high throw to Mike Williams hit the wide receiver’s hands, but Baltimore’s Marlon Humphrey — one of the gnarliest corners in this N.F.L. — was on the spot to rough up Williams.

From New York Times • Oct. 17, 2021

But he couldn’t let the two mean dogs rough up a weak old stray who looked like he might not even have any teeth.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein