mess with
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle with
Meanings
Touch or change something carelessly when you should not
Why “with”? Unwanted contact changes, disturbs, or damages something.
“Please do not mess with the settings.”
“Someone messed with my bike while I was inside.”
Test yourself
“Please do not mess with the settings.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
interfere with
Same with pattern: interference
Prevent something from working or happening normally
tamper with
Same with pattern: interference
Touch or change something without permission, often causing damage
mess about
Same base verb: mess
Spend time idly or playfully without serious purpose
mess around
Same base verb: mess
Spend time in a careless or playful way; Treat someone unfairly or unreliably
mess up
Same base verb: mess
Spoil or do something badly
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