verb
transitive verb
1.
a. : to cut into parts or pieces
cut up a steer
cut up a log into timbers
b. : to inflict great loss on : cut to pieces
the attackers being cut up by the stalwart defense
c. : to chop into parts : destroy the continuity of
his sleep being cut up by the noise
d. : to wound deeply : grieve , distress , hurt , chagrin
cut up by the adverse criticism
cut up by her jilting him
2. : to damage by or as if by cutting : gash , slash
the new lawn was cut up by the heavy truck
3. : to sever at the bottom or root
cut up weeds
4. : to shape by cutting especially after a pattern (as cloth)
5. : to criticize adversely : subject to carping hostile criticism : censure
revenged himself by cutting up the author's next publication
an underlying sentiment among lawyers against being cut up by outsiders — John Galsworthy
6. : perform , execute
cutting up mischief
intransitive verb
1. : to admit of being cut up
this wood cuts up readily
2. : to behave in a comic, boisterous, or unruly manner : show off : clown : demand attention by unsanctioned behavior
the average cowboy was a young fellow and he cut up plenty, meaning no harm to anyone — S.E.Fletcher
she cut up with other men and after about a year ran off entirely — Danforth Ross