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.

“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

Dean, during warm-up, would subtly rough up the ice in the required spot to avoid their knees, which gave far less traction than a sharpened blade, from sliding away under them.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2024

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

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