n.
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : to provide with meals at a mess
2 a : to make dirty or untidy : DISARRANGE ― often used with up <don't mess up your room> b : to mix up : BUNGLE ― often used with up <really mess ed up my life>
3 : to interfere with ― often used with up <magnetic storms that mess up communications ― Time >
4 : to rough up : MANHANDLE ― often used with up < mess him up good so he won't cheat us again>
intransitive verb
1 : to take meals with a mess
2 : to make a mess
3 a : PUTTER , TRIFLE <children like to mess around with paints> b : to handle or play with something especially carelessly <don't mess with my camera> ― often used with around c : to take an active interest in something or someone < mess ing around with new video techniques> also : INTERFERE , MEDDLE < mess ing in other people's affairs> <you'd better not mess with me>
4 : to become confused or make an error ― usually used with up <got another chance and mess ed up again>