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

Former opener David Warner taught batter Cameron Bancroft how to use sandpaper to rough up the ball, and Bancroft was then caught doing so by TV cameras during play.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 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

The Kraken can then rough up the Arizona Coyotes for the third time in eight days, this time in front of the Coyotes’ own fans.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 7, 2023

He’d look at me, and he’d laugh and rough up my hair, and then he’d take off his cap and he’d put it on my head.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt