The word “upset” can function as both a verb and an adjective, and it generally refers to causing or experiencing emotional distress, disturbance, or discomfort. When used as a verb, “upset” refers to the action of making someone feel sad, angry, or disturbed. As an adjective, it describes a state of being emotionally disturbed, unhappy, or troubled. The word is commonly associated with feelings of disappointment, frustration, or distress, and it can also be used to describe a disrupted or unexpected change in a situation.
Example Sentences
- The news of his friend’s sudden departure upset him deeply, leaving him in a state of sadness.
- The argument with her colleague upset her, making it hard to focus on the meeting.
- He was upset when the plans for the party were suddenly canceled.
- The unfair treatment at work upset the entire team, leading to low morale.
- The loss of the game upset the players, who had trained hard for the match.
- She was upset by the harsh comments made by her boss during the review.
- The unexpected cancellation of the flight upset the passengers, who were now stranded at the airport.
- His rude behavior upset everyone at the dinner table, making the atmosphere tense.
- The news of the disaster upset the community, causing fear and concern.
- The difficult conversation with his parents upset him, leaving him feeling confused and emotional.
Synonyms
- Disturb
- Agitate
- Trouble
- Displease
- Disrupt
- Rattle
- Unsettle
- Offend
- Unnerve
- Fluster
Antonyms
- Calm
- Soothe
- Comfort
- Reassure
- Please
- Relax
- Compose
- Steady
- Assure
- Relax
Related Words
- Discomfort
- Distress
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Frustration
- Disappointment
- Confusion
- Unhappiness
- Unease
- Irritation
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Set off: To trigger an emotional reaction that upsets someone.
- Rattle off: To speak quickly, which can sometimes upset or surprise others.
- Get to: To emotionally affect or upset someone deeply.
- Wind up: To irritate or upset someone, often by making them anxious or angry.
- Blow up: To suddenly become very angry, often upsetting others in the process.
Idiomatic Expressions
- Get under someone’s skin: To irritate or emotionally upset someone, often repeatedly.
- Turn someone’s world upside down: To cause a significant emotional disturbance or upset in someone’s life.
- Blow a fuse: To lose one’s temper, becoming upset or angry suddenly.
- Ruffle someone’s feathers: To upset or disturb someone, often causing irritation or discomfort.
- Jump through hoops: To do something that may frustrate or upset someone due to difficult circumstances.
The word “upset” describes an emotional reaction to disturbance, whether caused by disappointment, frustration, anger, or confusion. It can be used both as a verb (to make someone feel distressed) and as an adjective (to describe a state of emotional distress). Its synonyms, such as “disturb,” “displease,” and “unsettle,” focus on emotional or psychological turmoil, while antonyms like “calm” and “reassure” represent the opposite, offering comfort and stability. Related phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions highlight the various ways in which upset can manifest, from emotional agitation to disruptive events, all centering on the idea of disturbance or discomfort. Whether it’s an individual’s feelings or a larger disruption, upset refers to a state of disquiet or distress, either temporarily or more deeply affecting someone.
