English Reference

Phrasal verb

fuck with

Definition

phrasal verb. to annoy or provoke someone on purpose, or to mess with something you should not touch.

phrasal verb. to provoke, harass, or interfere with a person or object. The verb is transitive and requires an object, typically denoting the target of the provocation or meddling.

Examples

“Don't fuck with me today because I am very tired.”

“He told his brother not to fuck with his computer while he was away at work.”

“The street-smart informant knew better than to fuck with the undercover agents, recognizing the immediate danger of compromising their delicate operation.”

Examples

simple

“Don't fuck with me today because I am very tired.”

contextual

“He told his brother not to fuck with his computer while he was away at work.”

complex

“The street-smart informant knew better than to fuck with the undercover agents, recognizing the immediate danger of compromising their delicate operation.”

Usage

This phrase is extremely vulgar and should be avoided in all formal or professional situations.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'mess with' which carries the same meaning but is much safer for learners to use in casual conversation.

Pitfall

I like to fuck with my friends on weekends.

I like to hang out with my friends on weekends.

While this can mean 'associate with' in some dialects, it is usually understood as 'annoy' or 'harass' by most speakers.

Phrasal verb

Particles

with

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

fuck + with + object

Synonyms

mess withprovokeannoymeddle with

Antonyms

leave alonerespect

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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