mess with
Third Person
messes with
Present Participle
messing with
Past Tense
messed with
Past Participle
messed with
1
to get involved with something or someone, often dangerous, in a way that might lead to problems or harm
transitive
- Don't mess with the electrical wiring unless you're trained; it's dangerous.
- He warned his friends not to mess with his relationship by spreading rumors.
- Changing the project timeline without discussing it first can mess with our deadlines.
- Don't mess with her personal belongings; it's not respectful.
- The detective knew better than to mess with the criminal organization without proper backup and support.
2
to tease or joke with someone in a lighthearted and good-natured manner
transitive
- We always mess with each other at work; it keeps the atmosphere light and fun.
- I don't mean to upset you; I was just messing with you when I made that comment.
- She knows I'm just messing with her when I tease about her fashion choices.
- I like to mess with my friends by telling funny stories about them.
3
to bother, provoke, or antagonize someone
transitive
- Don't mess with me when I'm tired.
- He messed with the wrong crowd.
- Stop messing with your sister.
- They messed with the teacher and got detention.
- You'll regret messing with him.
4
(African American) to like, enjoy, approve of, or support someone or something
- I really mess with that new song.
- She messes with him heavy.
- Who do you mess with in that group?
- I mess with this crew every weekend.
- They mess with her style; it's fire.