Bullies
/ˈbʊliz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who uses strength or power to frighten or hurt weaker people.
/ˈbʊliz/
A person who habitually uses superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.
The bullies were harassing the smaller kids.
💡 Simply: Someone who is mean and tries to hurt others.
More Examples
She reported the bullying to the authorities.
How It's Used
"School bullies often target vulnerable students."
"Workplace bullying can create a hostile work environment."
To intimidate or coerce someone.
/ˈbʊliz/
To act like a bully towards; to intimidate.
Don't let them bully you.
💡 Simply: To scare or hurt someone weaker than you.
More Examples
They were bullying him into doing their work.
How It's Used
"He bullies his younger brother."
Idioms & expressions
to bully someone around
To intimidate or control someone.
"He bullies everyone around."
From Middle English *bulien, from Old English *bylian "to swell, make boil," probably from Proto-Germanic *buljaną. The modern meaning evolved from the sense of someone who is puffed up or arrogant.
Historically, the word had a milder connotation, implying arrogance or swagger. The current negative connotation is more modern.
Memory tip
Think of a 'bull' being strong and aggressive.