bully

[ bool-ee ]

/ ˈbʊl i /

a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.

Archaic. a man hired to do violence.

Obsolete. a pimp; procurer.

Obsolete. good friend; good fellow.

Obsolete. sweetheart; darling.

to act the bully toward; intimidate; domineer.

to be loudly arrogant and overbearing.

Informal. fine; excellent; very good.

dashing; jovial; high-spirited.

Informal. good! well done!

Nearby words

First recorded in 1530–40, bully is from the Middle Dutch word boele lover

SYNONYMS FOR bully

Related formsbul·ly·a·ble, adjectiveun·bul·lied, adjectiveun·bul·ly·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Removing choice is bullying and seems a horrid basis on which to anchor your relationship.
Public Marriage Proposals Must Die|Tauriq Moosa|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In light of the Michael Brown shooting, others have come forward to share their own stories of bullying, and harassment by police.
Are College Educated Police Safer?|Keli Goff|December 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He recounts to her the bullying he receives at school, with classmates spitting on him as he walks down the halls.
‘To Russia With Love’: Can Johnny Weir Save Russia’s Gays?|Kevin Fallon|October 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But The Source was also starting to develop a bullying reputation within the industry.
It Was All a Dream: Drama, Bullshit, and the Rebirth of The Source Magazine|Alex Suskind|October 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST

“No camp counter-productive with bullying and lies,” he wrote.
Freeeeedom! Hollywood Fights for Scottish Independence|Nico Hines|September 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I felt utterly helpless and a little angry at Goil's bullying tactics.
Jack of No Trades|Charles Cottrell
Always this infernal self-conscious Madonna starving our living guts and bullying us to death with her love.
Fantasia of the Unconscious|D. H. Lawrence
Her unexpectedly quiescent attitude had emboldened him to a bullying tone—something he had not lately ventured on.
The Fighting Chance|Robert W. Chambers
Apart from your bullying selfishness, a nice sensible way you have of talking!
Some Everyday Folk and Dawn|Miles Franklin
The Northerners in Congress had learned the trick of bullying from the Southerners.
Marse Henry (Vol. 1)|Henry Watterson

/ (ˈbʊlɪ) /

a person who hurts, persecutes, or intimidates weaker people

archaic a hired ruffian

obsolete a procurer; pimp

obsolete a fine fellow or friend

obsolete a sweetheart; darling