1 B1 informal
To physically assault someone, especially someone seen as a weaker target.
"Two older students were caught beating up on a first-year student."
inseparable
beat up on
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To physically attack or harshly criticize someone, especially a weaker or easier target.
In plain English
To hit someone or be very mean and unfair to them, especially if they can't fight back.
What does "beat up on" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To criticize or attack someone verbally in an unfair or excessive manner.
"The opposition kept beating up on the senator over his voting record."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To blame or criticize oneself excessively (reflexive: 'beat up on yourself').
"There's no point beating up on yourself — everyone makes mistakes."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To strike someone repeatedly while directing the action specifically at them.
Actually means
To hit someone or be very mean and unfair to them, especially if they can't fight back.
Usage tip
More common in American English than British. The figurative sense (to unfairly criticize) is very frequently used in political and media contexts. Often implies an unfair power imbalance.
Words that pair with "beat up on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
each other someone yourself critics opponent rival
How to conjugate "beat up on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
beat up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
beats up on
he/she/it
Past simple
beat up on
yesterday
Past participle
beaten up on
have + pp
-ing form
beating up on
continuous
Hear "beat up on" in the wild
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