pile-on

American  

[pahyl-on, ‐-awn] / ˈpaɪlˌɒn, ‐ˌɔn /

noun

1. the action of followers who join a hostile group in harshly criticizing or judging a less dominant group or individual, sometimes gloating over that group’s or person's defeat or diminished standing (often used attributively): Social media encourages a kind of pile-on mentality that is very unforgiving of mistakes and flaws.

   Long after the merciless baiting ceased to be funny, her critics continued to join the pile-on.

   Social media encourages a kind of pile-on mentality that is very unforgiving of mistakes and flaws.

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Etymology

Origin of pile-on

Noun use of verb phrase pile on

Example Sentences

Spoon over warm rice and pile on whatever toppings you have around: avocado, cheese, cabbage, cilantro, leftover pico or a squeeze of lime.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

The Rainbow Warriors continued to pile on points in the first set, leading14-9 lead before the Beach called its first timeout.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

That would pile on the frustration for economists, investors and policymakers who rely on the regular cadence of data releases to understand the state of the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

The Northern Irishman had slipped off the top of the pile on Friday following a disastrous second round in which he landed in the water four times.

From Barron's • Jan. 17, 2026

I dug into it with a stick, raking the loosened earth with my hands into a low pile on the downhill side.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

Related Words

• exaggerate
• overestimate
• overplay
• overrate
• overreach
• overstate
• overuse
• overvalue