The word "upsetting" refers to something that causes distress, disappointment, or emotional discomfort. It often describes situations, events, or actions that disturb someone's peace of mind or happiness. For example, learning about bad news or witnessing an upsetting event can evoke feelings of sadness or frustration.
The word "upsetting" derives from the verb "upset," which has origins in the early 15th century from the Middle English "upsetten," meaning to set up or overturn. The prefix "up-" indicates a direction, while "set" refers to placing something in a particular position. The suffix "-ing" denotes the action or result of the verb.