cyberbully

American  

[sahy-ber-bool-ee] / ˈsaɪ bərˌbʊl i /

verb (used with or without object)

cyberbullied, cyberbullying

1. to bully online by sending or posting mean, hurtful, or intimidating messages, usually anonymously.

   The 12-year-old had been cyberbullied for almost a year.

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noun

plural

cyberbullies

1. a person who does this.

Other Word Forms

• cyberbullying noun

Etymology

Origin of cyberbully

First recorded in 1990–95; cyber- + bully ¹

Example Sentences

“I think I will always treat people with dignity, respect and kindness,” he said, “and I will never cyberbully one of my constituents.”

From Washington Post • Feb. 9, 2022

John Legend is standing by his wife's, Chrissy Teigen, side as she takes responsibility for being a cyberbully in the past.

From Fox News • Jun. 16, 2021

CloutHub membership terms are clear, Brain said: “You don’t threaten people with harm. You don’t threaten property. ... You don’t cyberbully people. You don’t ‘cancel culture’ people.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2021

When asked about the irony of her remarks coming from someone married to the world’s preeminent cyberbully, the first lady’s spokesperson, Stephanie Grisham, attempted to brush it aside in a tweet.

From The Guardian • Aug. 21, 2018

Unfortunately, a cyberbully can easily post derogatory information about their victim, which has the ability to reach a wide spectrum of other individuals.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 26, 2018