screw over
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To treat someone very badly or cheat them in a way that hurts them.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
people workers customers investors employees partner
Forms
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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Synonyms
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