mess with

Fool around with

To mess with something is to tinker or tamper with it: Don't mess with the thermostat.

To mess with someone is to tease, provoke, or deceive them: Are you messing with me?

The phrase often appears in warnings against interference: Don't mess with Texas.

You don't want to mess with her—she'll retaliate.

tamper

fiddle

Adjust restlessly; folk violin

  • tinkerMender of metal household wares
  • sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
  • alterMake a modification

hack · meddle · corrupt · adulterate · contaminate · doctor · rig · forge · manipulate · modify

intrude

meddle

Interfere without invitation

interpose · butt in · horn in · overstep · trespass · invade · impinge · obtrude · interject · intercede

annoy

irritate

Cause mild anger

provoke · aggravate · harass · needle · goad · taunt · antagonize · badger · hassle · nag

deceive

trick

Deliberate deception

con · swindle · dupe · scam · hoodwink · bamboozle · string along · play games · lead on · double-cross

confront

challenge

Test of ability

  • provokeIncite a response
  • crossPass from side to side
  • defyResist or challenge openly

oppose · antagonize · take on · stand up to · face off · square off · go against · pick a fight · lock horns

Categories
Opposites
interference vs. non-interference

mess withleave alone

Refrain from disturbing

leave be · let be · hands off · keep away from · stay away from

provocation vs. respect

mess withrespect

Regard with honor

honor · accommodate · befriend

disorder vs. order

mess withfix

Repair or solution

repair · straighten out · put in order · organize · tidy up

Family

with, mess, messy, messed, messes, messing, mess up, mess around

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G