round upon
C1 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To suddenly face someone and speak to them angrily or aggressively — an old-fashioned way of saying 'round on'.
Literal meaning: To wheel around upon someone — the physical image of turning to face a person.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
formal
Literary/archaic: to suddenly turn and attack or rebuke someone sharply.
"She rounded upon her accusers with a fierce and passionate defence."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
This is a more literary or archaic form of 'round on'. Found in 19th and early 20th century literature. Modern speakers almost always use 'round on' instead. May appear in classic English texts.
Commonly used with
accuser critic opponent companion questioner
Forms
Base
round upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rounds upon
he/she/it
Past simple
rounded upon
yesterday
Past participle
rounded upon
have + pp
-ing form
rounding upon
continuous
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