up·set
(ˌ)əp-ˈset
upset; upsetting; upsets
1
: to force out of the usual upright, level, or proper position : overturn
I accidentally bumped the table and upset a lamp.
2
a
: to trouble mentally or emotionally : disturb the poise of
the news upset me
b
: to throw into disorder
Their sudden arrival upset our plans.
c
d
: to defeat unexpectedly
was upset in the primary
3
: to cause a physical disorder in
specifically
: to make somewhat ill
spicy food upsets my stomach
4
: to thicken and shorten (something, such as a heated bar of iron) by hammering on the end : swage
: to become overturned
upsetter
noun
see also:
1
: an act of overturning : overturn
the upset of the canoe
2
a(1)
: an act of throwing into disorder : disarrangement
the complete upset of our plans
(2)
: a state of disorder : confusion
… produced less profound changes … but also much less upset and clash.—A. L. Kroeber
b
: an unexpected defeat
The team suffered another upset.
3
a
: a minor physical disorder
a stomach upset
b
: an emotional disturbance
went through a big upset after his father's death
4
a
: a part of a rod (such as the head on a bolt) that is upset
b
: the expansion of a bullet on striking
up·set
(ˌ)əp-ˈset
1
: emotionally disturbed or agitated
especially
: angry or unhappy
was too upset to speak to him
2
: affected with minor physical disturbance or disorder
an upset stomach
Cite this Entry
“Upset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upset. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
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