to make someone unhappy, worried, or angry, to cause an unpleasant physical sensation, to defeat someone who was expected to win

upset the balance, upset the status quo, upset the applecart

be upset, get upset, upset the apple cart

Formal and Informal Expressions of upset

In different contexts, you can replace 'upset' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'disconcert, perturb' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'rattle, throw off' is a commonplace synonym.

upset: Explore its Definition & Usage

upset Definition

1to make someone unhappy, worried, or angry
2to cause an unpleasant physical sensation
3to defeat someone who was expected to win

Using upset: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "upset" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The news of the accident upset her.
Example
The bumpy ride upset my stomach.
Example
The underdog team upset the reigning champions.
Example
Don't upset yourself over such a small matter.

upset Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for upset

Antonyms for upset

Idioms Using upset

upset the balance
to disrupt the equilibrium or stability of a situation
Example
The new regulations upset the balance of power in the industry.
upset the status quo
to disrupt or change the existing state of affairs
Example
The new government promised to upset the status quo and bring about real change.
upset the applecart
to cause confusion or upset carefully laid plans
Example
The last-minute changes to the project really upset the applecart for the team.

Phrases with upset

be upset
to be unhappy or distressed
Example
She was upset when she heard the news.
get upset
to become unhappy or distressed
Example
He gets upset easily when things don't go his way.
upset the apple cart
to cause trouble or upset plans
Example
His sudden resignation really upset the apple cart for the company.

Origins of upset

from Old English 'upsettan', meaning 'to overturn'

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Summary: upset in Brief

The verb 'upset' [ʌpˈsɛt] means to make someone unhappy, worried, or angry, or to cause an unpleasant physical sensation. It can also mean to defeat someone who was expected to win. Examples include 'The news of the accident upset her,' and 'The underdog team upset the reigning champions.' Phrases like 'upset the apple cart' denote causing trouble or upsetting plans.