roughhouse

Thân thiện

Two children roughhouse playfully on the living room carpet.

Definition

Verb: 1. To engage in rough, noisy, or disorderly play or fighting: This involves physical activity that is boisterous, tumble-like, and often appears uncontrolled or aggressive, though typically done in fun among friends or siblings.

Usage

The verb "roughhouse" describes active, physical play that is loud and involves pushing, wrestling, or mock fighting. It is often used when children or animals play vigorously. It is typically an intransitive verb (e.g., "The boys roughhoused") but can be used transitively with a reflexive pronoun (e.g., "They roughhoused each other").

Examples

Advanced Usage

• As a noun (less common): "Roughhouse" can also function as a noun meaning a session of rough, disorderly play or a brawl.
  • The playful roughhouse got a little too intense.
  • The barroom roughhouse was broken up by security.

Variants and Related Words

• Roughhousing (noun/gerund): The activity or instance of engaging in roughhouse play.
  • The constant roughhousing between the kittens was entertaining to watch.

Synonyms

• Horse around: To engage in playful, boisterous behavior.
• Wrestle playfully: To grapple or struggle in a fun, non-serious manner.
• Romping: To play or run about in a lively, boisterous way.
• Scuffle playfully: To engage in a brief, disorderly struggle or fight for fun.

Related Phrases

• To roughhouse with someone: To engage in rough play with a specific person.
  • The kids were roughhousing with their uncle in the yard.

Học thuật

Verb

1. engage in rough or disorderly play