Upset Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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upset
[ʌpˈsɛt ]
Definitions
feeling
Feeling unhappy or disappointed because something unpleasant has happened.
Synonyms
disappointed, disheartened, distressed, saddened.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| upset |
This can be used in a variety of situations where someone is generally troubled or disturbed, often by something unexpected.
|
| distressed |
This is used for situations where someone is experiencing severe anxiety, worry, or pain.
|
| saddened |
This is fitting when expressing mild to moderate sorrow or grief over something unfortunate.
|
| disheartened |
Use this when describing someone who has lost hope or enthusiasm due to difficulties or setbacks.
|
| disappointed |
This is appropriate when someone feels let down because their expectations were not met.
|
Examples of usage
- She was upset by the news of his death.
- He was upset that he didn't get the job.
emotion
Emotionally disturbed or agitated; distraught.
Synonyms
agitated, distraught, perturbed, troubled.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| upset |
Commonly used to describe someone who is unhappy or disappointed, often because of a specific event or situation.
|
| distraught |
Strong emotional discomfort, usually implying that the person is deeply troubled or distressed, often to the point of being unable to think or act properly.
|
| agitated |
More intense than 'upset', often indicating a state of nervousness or anxiety, typically due to external pressure or internal stress.
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| troubled |
Typically used to describe someone who is experiencing emotional or mental difficulties, often over a prolonged period.
|
| perturbed |
Describes a state of being slightly disturbed or worried, often in a more formal or intellectual context.
|
Examples of usage
- She was upset after the argument.
- He was upset by the breakup.
action
To disturb the normal state of; to make someone feel unhappy or worried.
Synonyms
agitate, disrupt, disturb, unsettle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| upset |
When someone feels sad, disappointed, or troubled due to an unexpected or unpleasant event.
|
| disturb |
When someone or something is interrupted or caused minor anxiety. Can also refer to physical or mental peace being broken.
|
| unsettle |
When someone feels uneasy or uncertain, often due to a change or something unpredictable.
|
| disrupt |
When something is broken, interrupted, or thrown into disorder, often referring to systems, activities, or events.
|
| agitate |
When someone is made anxious, nervous, or stirred up emotionally. Often implies a stronger emotional reaction.
|
Examples of usage
- The news upset her greatly.
- The sudden change in plans upset him.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling upset can be a response to loss, disappointment, or conflict, triggering a need for coping strategies.
- It can lead to physiological changes, such as increased heart rate and release of stress hormones.
- Understanding and expressing what causes upset can aid in emotional regulation and healing.
Cultural References
- In literature, characters often experience being upset as a central plot point, reflecting human vulnerability.
- Films often portray characters overcoming being upset, showing resilience as a source of strength.
- In music, being upset is a common theme, often expressed through lyrics that resonate with personal experiences.
Education
- Teaching emotional awareness can help children identify when they feel upset and learn how to express their feelings.
- Role-playing is an effective method in classrooms to help students navigate situations that make them upset.
- Educational programs now include 'social-emotional learning' to teach coping strategies for feelings like upset.
Health
- Long-term feelings of being upset can affect physical health, leading to issues like fatigue or headaches.
- Practices like mindfulness and deep breathing can help alleviate feelings of upset.
- Therapeutic approaches often focus on processing events that lead to feeling upset to foster emotional resilience.
Origin of 'upset'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'upsettan,' meaning to overthrow or turn over.
- Originally used to describe physical actions, such as knocking something over, it later expanded to emotional states.
- Its usage in emotional contexts began to appear in literature around the 18th century.
The word 'upset' originated in the mid-16th century, derived from the prefix 'up-' meaning 'in an upward direction' and the verb 'set'. Originally used in the context of setting something upright or in an elevated position, it later evolved to also convey the sense of disturbance or agitation. Over time, 'upset' came to be associated with feelings of unhappiness or emotional turmoil.
See also: up, upend, upmost, upper, upright, upsides, upward, upwards.