Beat up on Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Physical Aggression Refers to actual hitting or fighting, not just arguing or verbal fights. Stop beating up on your cousin; use your words, not fists. Pro Tip 2/3Bullying Context Often used when one person is picking on someone weaker or vulnerable. The older kids were beating up on the new student, which was cruel. Pro Tip 3/3Repeated Actions Can imply a pattern of abuse, either physical or emotional, over time. He got in trouble for repeatedly beating up on his classmates.