I. (ˌ)əp-ˈset verb
( -set ; -set·ting )
Date: 1677
transitive verb
1. : to thicken and shorten (as a heated bar of iron) by hammering on the end : swage
2. : to force out of the usual upright, level, or proper position : overturn
3.
a. : to trouble mentally or emotionally : disturb the poise of
the news upset me
b. : to throw into disorder
c. : invalidate
d. : to defeat unexpectedly
was upset in the primary
4. : to cause a physical disorder in ; specifically : to make somewhat ill
spicy food upset s my stomach
intransitive verb
: to become overturned
Synonyms: see discompose
• up·set·ter noun
•
- upset the apple cart
II. ˈəp-ˌset noun
Date: 1804
1. : an act of overturning : overturn
2.
a.
(1) : an act of throwing into disorder : derangement
(2) : a state of disorder : confusion
b. : an unexpected defeat
3.
a. : a minor physical disorder
a stomach upset
b. : an emotional disturbance
went through a big upset after his father's death
4.
a. : a part of a rod (as the head on a bolt) that is upset
b. : the expansion of a bullet on striking
III. (ˌ)əp-ˈset adjective
Date: 1805
: emotionally disturbed or agitated
was too upset to speak to him