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gang up

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gang up (on someone)

to form into a group and attack someone. (Usually a physical attack, but it can also be a verbal attack.) We can't win against the robber unless we gang up on him. All right, you guys, don't gang up on me. Play fair!

See also: gang, up

gang up

1. Also, gang up with. Act together as a group. For example, The residents ganged up to make the neighborhood safer. [Colloquial; c. 1920]

2. gang up on or against . Join in opposition or attack against, as in The big kids were always ganging up on the little ones, or They all ganged up against the substitute teacher. [1920s]

See also: gang, up

gang up

v.

1. To join together to attack or address some problem or issue: The various police agencies ganged up to fight the illegal drug trade.

2. gang up on To join together to bother, harm, or attack someone or something: The older children were always ganging up on the little ones.

3. gang up against To join together in opposition to someone or something: Whenever one corporation became too powerful, the others ganged up against it.

See also: gang, up