The phrase "put upon" means to burden, inconvenience or impose upon someone. Some synonyms for put upon include impose, burden, pressurize, trouble, encumber, weigh down, oppress, load, overtax, overwhelm, compel, obligate, saddle, trouble and inconvenience. These synonyms connote a sense of being burdened or oppressed, either voluntarily or involuntarily. To put upon someone can be a negative thing, especially if done intentionally or with malice. However, sometimes we may put upon someone as an act of kindness or in order to help them out. It all depends on the context in which the phrase is used.