Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition screw up in American English

screw up phrasal verb

phrasal verb
1

to make a serious mistake, or to spoil something, especially a situation

Example

I really screwed up this time, didn't I?

Example

He made a bad decision that screwed up his entire life.

Synonyms and related words
mess up blunder slip up cost damage spoil
2

to make someone feel so upset or confused that their whole personality is affected, often permanently

Example

Divorce doesn't have to screw your children up.

Synonyms and related words
upset wound disturb
3

if you screw up your eyes, you close them tightly

Synonyms and related words
adjust blink blink
3.1

if you screw up your face, you pull your forehead down and push your mouth and nose up, usually to show that you dislike something

Synonyms and related words
bug out curl your lip frown
4

to make something into a smaller shape by squeezing or twisting it

Example

Several pages had been screwed up and tossed in the basket.

Synonyms and related words
reshape open up shape
5

to prepare mentally for doing something difficult

Example

I'm trying to screw up enough nerve to ask her a favor.

Synonyms and related words
stand by brace steel yourself
Definition screw up in American English