roughed up

VERB

handle harshly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

beat up maltreat manhandle mistreat

WEAK

abuse bash batter hit knock about knock around mishandle roughen roughhouse slap around thrash

Antonyms

STRONGEST

treat well

WEAK

aid help protect

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.

They saw Sauer get roughed up as a bulk-innings pitcher Tuesday against the Padres, and Miller implode in a 10-run outing in triple-A that same night.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2025

Over the weekend, he posted a long message complaining that the New York Times was planning to report that he’d gotten roughed up, injuring his shoulder, in a sparring match with an agency jujitsu instructor.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2025

Now, once again, India’s corporate champion has been roughed up.

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2024

He picked up wonderful positions, roughed up opposition defenders, while also missing several chances alongside his two goals.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2024

I guess the iron tire on the spinning wheel was roughed up pretty badly and maybe had chips of broken rock and gravel stuck to it.

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson