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to screw over
[phrase form: screw]
01
to cheat, betray, or unfairly ruin someone's chances or situation
Dialect
American
American
Slang
Vulgar
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Action verb
Regular
Separable
Particle
over
Base verb
screw
Present tense
screw over
3rd person singular
screws over
Present participle
screwing over
Past simple
screwed over
Past participle
screwed over
What is the origin of the term "screw over" and how is it used?
"screw over" is a slang phrasal verb that appeared in English in the mid-20th century, using the verb "screw" metaphorically to mean harming, cheating, or taking advantage of someone. It describes actions that unfairly ruin a person's chances, situation, or interests. The term is widely used in informal speech, media, workplace discussions, and casual storytelling to convey betrayal or exploitation. It is coarse and derogatory, context-dependent—acceptable in informal or emphatic situations, but offensive and inappropriate in polite or formal contexts.
Examples
He really screwed me over by taking credit for my idea.
