Definition

1. Noun:
   • A disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea: An "upset stomach" is a general, non-medical term for a temporary, uncomfortable condition affecting the stomach and digestion. It is not a specific disease but describes symptoms like pain, queasiness, bloating, or indigestion.

Usage

• The term "upset stomach" is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe feeling unwell in the digestive area. It is often a reason given for not eating or feeling ill.
• It typically functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • I think I ate something bad; I have an upset stomach.
  • Spicy food sometimes gives me an upset stomach.
  • Her symptoms included nausea and an upset stomach.

Advanced Usage

• "to have an upset stomach": This is the most common collocation to express experiencing this condition.
  • He couldn't go to work because he had an upset stomach.
• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun.
  • She took some upset stomach medicine.

Variants and Related Words

• Indigestion (n): A more formal synonym often referring specifically to discomfort from difficult digestion.
• Dyspepsia (n): The medical term for chronic or recurrent pain centered in the upper abdomen.
• Tummy ache (n): A more informal, often child-friendly term for stomach pain.
• Gastric distress (n): A more formal phrase for stomach discomfort.

Synonyms

• Indigestion
• Dyspepsia (medical)
• Stomach ache
• Gastric upset

Antonyms

• Healthy digestion
• Settled stomach

Related Phrases

• Upset one's stomach: A verb phrase meaning to cause this condition.
  • Rich, greasy food upsets my stomach.
• Settle one's stomach: A verb phrase meaning to soothe or calm digestive discomfort.
  • I drank ginger tea to settle my stomach.

Noun

1. a disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea