upsetting

Variant of upset

upset definition

up·set (up set; for n. always, and for adj. also, upset′)

transitive verb upset -·set′, upsetting -·set′·ting

  1. Obsolete to set up; erect
    1. to tip over; overturn to upset a vase
    2. to overthrow or defeat unexpectedly
    1. to disturb the functioning, fulfillment, or completion of to upset a busy schedule
    2. to disturb mentally or emotionally upset by bad news
    3. to disturb physically; make sick to upset the stomach
  2. Mech.
    1. to shorten and thicken (a red-hot iron) by beating on the end
    2. to shorten (a metal tire) in the process of resetting it

Etymology: ME upsetten: see up & set

intransitive verb

to become overturned or upset

noun

  1. an upsetting or being upset; specif.,
    1. a tipping over, knocking over, etc.
    2. an unexpected victory or defeat
    3. a disturbance or disorder, specif. of an emotional or physical nature
  2. Mech.
    1. a swage used for upsetting
    2. an upset piece or part

adjective

  1. Rare set up; erected
    1. tipped over; overturned
    2. disturbed or disordered

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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