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

“The most consistent way that we, in a laboratory, induce stress is through something that’s unpredictable, social, and inescapable, which is exactly what cyberbullying is,” Stanton explained.

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2025

The show broadcast a message this week in the middle of an episode: "The keyword in Love Island is… Love. We love our fans. We love our Islanders. We don't love cyberbullying, harassment or hate."

From BBC • Jun. 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