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

Derived Forms

• unbullying
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of bullying

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

Explanation

Bullying is the act of intimidating someone else. Threatening to beat up your little brother if he doesn't clean your room for you is most certainly an act of bullying. You may have heard of the word bully, which is a person, often young, who harasses others. A schoolyard bully might call you names, steal your lunch money, and generally make your life miserable. Bullying is the act of being a bully. Believe it or not, bullying can be serious business with grave consequences. There are even laws that require schools to take action against bullying.

Example Sentences

"I have done everything I can to address what I feel is unfairness and bullying and after a year of trying to get it addressed I have decided enough is enough."

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

As education minister between 2023 and 2024, he tackled bullying and also banned pupils from wearing the abaya, a loose-fitting garment from the shoulders to the feet worn by Muslim women.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Her mother believed that the death was result of bullying at Manual Arts High School in South L.A. and also blamed school administrators for failing to respond to prior reports of campus harassment.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

This is largely due to their style of play, the perception that there is an over-reliance on set-pieces and that they have got away with bullying the opposition on corners.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Penelope replied: “He is no fool; he sees how it could be. Never were mortal men like these for bullying and brainless arrogance!”

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

Related Words

• imperious