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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pile-on

In fact, any commentary on the issues of the day risks creating a pile-on and alienating a swath of listeners.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

"What began as legitimate journalistic inquiry into certain serious allegations grew into an internet pile-on," she wrote.

From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026

What followed was a day of public self-flagellation from Totenberg, her editor, and NPR itself, followed by a Cersei Lannister walk of shame–level pile-on from everyone else.

From Slate ● Jul. 2, 2026

The pile-on proceeded to break comment section containment, spreading into blogs, magazines and network TV talk shows.

From Salon ● Feb. 16, 2026

Given their complicated feelings about him, it's a love-in or a pile-on balanced on a knife edge.

From BBC ● Apr. 6, 2024

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Related Words

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