mess around with sth
(UK also mess about with sth) informal — phrasal verb with mess /mes/ verbDefinition
C2 to use or treat something in a careless or harmful way: I don't want him coming in here and messing around with our computers. Never mess around with scissors.Damaging and spoilingDestroying and demolishing
(Definition of mess around with sth from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
Browse related topics
You are looking at an entry to do with Damaging and spoiling, but you might be interested in these topics from the Breaking and damaging topic area:
- Destroying and demolishing
- Deteriorating and making worse
- Exploding and erupting
- Fragile and breakable
- Hitting against objects accidentally and colliding
- Hitting and beating
- In bad condition
- Injuring and injuries
- Scratching and rubbing
- Squeezing and grinding
- Tearing and breaking into pieces
- Undamaged, unbroken or in good condition
- Upsetting and destabilizing
Browse the Dictionary
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mess (sth) up phrasal verb
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mess about phrasal verb
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mess around phrasal verb (ACT STUPIDLY)
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mess around phrasal verb (SPEND TIME)
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mess around with sb phrasal verb
- mess around with sth phrasal verb
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mess noun (DIRT/UNTIDINESS)
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mess noun (PROBLEMS)
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mess noun (ROOM)
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mess sb about/around phrasal verb
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mess sb up phrasal verb (CAUSE PROBLEMS)
Browse the Thesaurus
SMART Thesaurus
Synonyms and related words:
- adulterate verb
- at the expense of sb idiom
- bastardize verb
- be hoist(ed) with/by your own petard idiom
- bite verb (AFFECT BADLY)
- cheapen verb (RESPECT LESS)
- cost sb dear idiom
- degrade verb (SPOIL)
- do for sb/sth phrasal verb
- flaw verb
- foul (sth) up phrasal verb
- gild the lily idiom
- gnaw away at sth phrasal verb
- go west idiom
- interfere with sth phrasal verb
- punishment noun (BAD TREATMENT)
- put sth out of joint idiom
- queer verb
- rain on sb's parade idiom
- rampage verb
Topic:
Damaging and spoiling
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