the word 'upset' is a native english compound formed from the simple elements 'up' and 'set'. its original, now largely obsolete, meaning was "to set up, to erect," directly reflecting the literal sense of its components. by the early 19th century, the sense evolved to "to overturn, capsize," likely from the idea of setting something up on its end or tipping it over. from this physical sense of disruption, the modern abstract meanings developed, transferring the concept of physical overthrow to emotional disturbance (to make unhappy) and the disruption of plans or expectations, including in sports.

Structure: up (upward, intensive) + set (place, fix) 'up' is from old english 'up', an adverb and preposition meaning "upward, aloft". in this compound, it acts as an intensifying prefix. 'set' is from old english 'settan', a verb meaning "to cause to sit, put in a place, fix firmly".