Bully
/ˈbʊli/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who habitually intimidates or harasses others who are perceived to be weaker.
/ˈbʊli/
A person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker.
He was a bully who tormented smaller children.
💡 Simply: Someone who is mean and tries to scare others.
More Examples
The workplace bully made life miserable for his colleagues.
How It's Used
"The school has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying."
"She was subjected to bullying and harassment at work."
To use superior strength or influence to intimidate or coerce someone.
/ˈbʊli/
To intimidate or harass (someone), typically by using violence, threats, or pressure.
The children were bullied into giving up their lunch money.
💡 Simply: To scare or threaten someone to get your way.
More Examples
Don't let anyone bully you into doing something you don't want to do.
How It's Used
"He was bullied relentlessly by older students."
"She was bullied online through hateful comments."
Idioms & expressions
to bully someone into doing something
To force someone to do something against their will through intimidation or pressure.
"They bullied him into confessing."
From Middle English *buli, probably from Middle Dutch *bulle 'lover, sweetheart', 'friend', 'fellow', 'companion'; possibly related to Old Norse *bolli 'fellow, companion'. The modern sense developed later, evolving from an association with someone powerful and overbearing.
While the word 'bully' originally had more neutral connotations, its modern usage is overwhelmingly negative, reflecting the evolution of societal understanding of intimidation and harassment.
Memory tip
Think of a 'bull' – strong and aggressive.