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to screw up
[phrase form: screw]
01
to ruin a situation through mistakes or poor judgment
Transitive: to screw up a situation
Slang
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
action verb
regular
separable
particle
up
base verb
screw
present tense
screw up
3rd person singular
screws up
present participle
screwing up
past simple
screwed up
past participle
screwed up
Examples
He did n't want to screw up the important presentation, so he practiced diligently.
02
to intensify a situation or problem
Transitive: to screw up a problem
Examples
The cold weather screwed up my arthritis.
03
to twist one's face into an expression of discomfort, displeasure, or tension
Transitive: to screw up one's face
Examples
She screwed up her face when she tasted the sour lemon.
04
to fasten something by rotating it often in a clockwise direction
Transitive: to screw up sth
Examples
The plumber had to screw the faucet up tightly to prevent any water leaks.
05
to fold something by twisting it tightly
Transitive: to screw up a piece of paper or fabric
Examples
He screwed up the letter and threw it in the trash in frustration.
06
to cause someone to be emotionally or mentally disturbed
Transitive: to screw up sb
Examples
The harsh criticism from his supervisor really screwed him up emotionally.
