cyberbullying

American  

[sahy-ber-bool-ee-ing] / ˈsaɪ bərˌbʊl i ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of harassing someone online by sending or posting mean messages, usually anonymously.

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Etymology

Origin of cyberbullying

First recorded in 2000–05; cyberbully + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Australian officials say that country's ban has already reduced cyberbullying and increased student concentration in schools.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

No amount of pressure, cyberbullying or arrest warrants has so far succeeded in silencing one of Pakistan's most prominent dissidents, the human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

Naroditsky had strong social ties, and was well respected publicly and privately, but the thin daggers of cyberbullying may have slipped past those defenses.

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2025

Angry Tanzanian MPs on Monday accused Kenyans of cyberbullying and disrespecting Tanzanian sovereignty and "meddling in domestic affairs".

From BBC • May 28, 2025

“Well, first off, the people who like my blog aren’t very good at cyberbullying, which is fine. I would hate to be liked by people who are good at it.”

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner