1 B2 idiomatic informal
To treat someone very unfairly, cheat them, or cause them serious harm, usually deliberately.
"The company screwed over its workers by cancelling their pensions at the last minute."
separable
screw over
B2 informal separable transitive
To treat someone very unfairly or dishonestly, causing them significant harm or disadvantage.
In plain English
To treat someone very badly or cheat them in a way that hurts them.
What does "screw over" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Considered vulgar by some but is widely used in informal speech. Always negative. Can refer to financial deception, betrayal, or any serious unfair treatment. Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "screw over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
people workers customers investors employees partner
How to conjugate "screw over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
screw over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
screws over
he/she/it
Past simple
screwed over
yesterday
Past participle
screwed over
have + pp
-ing form
screwing over
continuous
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