bullying

American  

[bool-ee-ing] / ˈbʊl i ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of harassing, intimidating, or abusing others, especially habitually or from a perceived position of relative power.

   Bullying and stress can impact students' experiences at school.

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Other Word Forms

• unbullying adjective

Etymology

Origin of bullying

First recorded in 1675–85; bully ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Facing obstacles – be they ragged clothes that triggered childhood bullying or high school classmates who ridiculed her for favoring country music over The Beatles – became a way of life for Dolly.

From Salon

There is a great irony that this weapon was originally designed to combat any bullying interference from a hostile external power.

From BBC

The complaint had alleged Osborne had breached the local authority's code of conduct by carrying out harassment or bullying, including "intimidating behaviour".

From BBC

The suspended boss of Pride in London has "frustrated" a disciplinary investigation into alleged theft and bullying by refusing to hand back control of company bank accounts and systems, court documents allege.

From BBC

According to the 52-page ruling, the state defended its approach as needed to prevent bullying, and the judge lauds that goal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• imperious