1 B1 idiomatic informal
For two or more people to combine their efforts to bully, attack, or harass a single person.
"Three of her classmates kept ganging up on her during lunch breaks."
inseparable
gang up on
B1 informal inseparable transitive
For multiple people to join together to attack, criticise, or oppose a single person or group.
In plain English
When a group of people all act together against one person who is outnumbered.
What does "gang up on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
For several people or groups to collectively oppose or criticise one person or entity, often in a debate or political context.
"During the TV debate, the two rival candidates ganged up on the front-runner."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
A gang rises up and moves against a specific target.
Actually means
When a group of people all act together against one person who is outnumbered.
Usage tip
The most common form of 'gang up'. Strongly implies unfairness due to the numbers imbalance. Used in contexts ranging from schoolyard bullying to politics. The victim is named after 'on'.
Words that pair with "gang up on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bully outnumber target victim opponent candidate
How to conjugate "gang up on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
gang up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gangs up on
he/she/it
Past simple
ganged up on
yesterday
Past participle
ganged up on
have + pp
-ing form
ganging up on
continuous
Hear "gang up on" in the wild
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