| beat up beat (someone) up 1. to strongly criticize someone. The candidates spent the time beating each other up instead of talking about how to improve the economy. Usage notes: sometimes used in the form beat up on someone: Sanchez beat up on Brown for problems with street repairs. 2. to easily defeat someone. The Rangers beat up Kansas city, 7—3. Etymology: based on the literal meaning of beat someone up (= to hurt someone badly) |