# bash about

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bash-about
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to treat something roughly or hit it many times so that it gets damaged.

For teachers: to subject an object to physical abuse or rough handling, resulting in superficial or structural damage; often used in the passive voice to describe the condition of an item.

## Examples

- Don't bash your toys about like that.
- The old suitcase was bashed about during the long flight, leaving it covered in scuffs and dents.
- After years of being bashed about in the back of the delivery van, the equipment finally ceased to function altogether.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The car was bashed about of the hail." but "The car was bashed about by the hail." — use 'by' to indicate the cause of the damage, as 'about' is a particle, not a preposition taking 'of'.

## Usage notes

- common in British English; often used when talking about luggage, vehicles, or household items.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'bash up' which implies more severe, often intentional destruction; 'bash about' suggests careless handling over time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.