mess-up
|mess-up|
/mɛs ʌp/
(mess up)
spoil / make untidy
Etymology
'mess' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'mes', where 'mes' meant 'a portion (of food)'.
'mess' changed from Old French 'mes' into Middle English as 'messe'/'mes', later developing senses of a portion of food and then an untidy or disorderly state; the verb 'to mess' and phrasal verb 'mess up' arose later in modern English.
Initially, it meant 'a portion of food', but over time it evolved into meanings such as 'untidy state' and the verb sense 'to spoil or make a mistake', which led to the phrasal 'mess up' meaning 'to ruin or bungle'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a mistake or failure (informal) — a 'mess-up' is a blunder or error
That scheduling mix-up was a big mess-up.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a messy or disorganized state
After the kids left, the living room was a complete mess-up.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to do something badly or make a mistake
I really messed up my answer in the interview.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to ruin or spoil something
Don't mess up the carpet with paint.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 3
(informal) to upset or traumatize someone emotionally or mentally
The constant criticism really messed him up.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/02 01:23