Bully: meaning, definitions and examples

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bully

 

[ ˈbʊli ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

at school

A bully is someone who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable.

Synonyms

harasser, intimidator, oppressor

Examples of usage

  • The bully stole my lunch money again.
  • The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying.
Context #2 | Verb

in social situations

To bully means to use superior strength or influence to intimidate someone, typically to force them to do something.

Synonyms

coerce, domineer, intimidate

Examples of usage

  • He tried to bully his way into getting what he wanted.
  • Don't let him bully you into making a decision.

Translations

Translations of the word "bully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 valentão

🇮🇳 बदमाश

🇩🇪 Tyrann

🇮🇩 pengganggu

🇺🇦 задирака

🇵🇱 łobuz

🇯🇵 いじめっ子

🇫🇷 intimidateur

🇪🇸 matón

🇹🇷 zorba

🇰🇷 괴롭히는 사람

🇸🇦 متنمر

🇨🇿 šikanátor

🇸🇰 šikanátor

🇨🇳 恶霸

🇸🇮 ustrahovalec

🇮🇸 ofbeldismaður

🇰🇿 қорқытып-үркітуші

🇬🇪 ცუდი ადამიანი

🇦🇿 hərbiçi

🇲🇽 matón

Etymology

The word 'bully' originated in the 1530s, meaning 'sweetheart' or 'lover'. By the 1690s, it had evolved to refer to a 'harasser of the weak'. The modern connotation of 'bully' as someone who uses strength or influence to intimidate others emerged in the 18th century.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,758, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.