Bullying: meaning, definitions and examples

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bullying

[ˈbʊliɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

school

Bullying is the use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others. It involves repeated aggressive behavior towards a victim who struggles to defend themselves.

Synonyms

harassment, intimidation, oppression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bullying	Bullying usually refers to repeated aggressive behavior by one person or group towards another, especially in school or online contexts. It often involves a power imbalance where the bully is stronger or more socially influential. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying. She spoke out against online bullying in her recent video.
harassment	Harassment is unwanted behavior that makes someone feel intimidated, insulted, or humiliated. It is often used in professional or legal contexts and can encompass a wide range of behaviors, not necessarily physical. The company takes any form of harassment in the workplace very seriously. She filed a complaint against her neighbor for harassment.
intimidation	Intimidation refers to behavior intended to scare or coerce someone into doing something or acting in a certain way. It can happen in personal, professional, or even political contexts. The witness was hesitant to testify due to intimidation from the defendant's associates. The union members reported feeling intimidation from their management.
oppression	Oppression often indicates prolonged and systemic abuse and mistreatment, especially in a social or political context. It usually involves large groups being disadvantaged or held down by authority or societal norms. The novel explores themes of oppression under an authoritarian regime. For years, the minority groups faced social and economic oppression.

Examples of usage

He was a victim of bullying at school.
Bullying can have serious consequences on a child's mental health.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

cyberbullying

To bully someone means to seek to harm, intimidate, or coerce through electronic communication. It includes sending mean messages or posting negative comments online with the intention of harming the target.

Synonyms

harass, threaten, torment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bullying	Bullying is used when someone repeatedly uses their power to hurt or intimidate another person, often in a school or workplace setting. The boy was a victim of bullying at school The company has a strict policy against bullying
harass	Harass is suitable for describing persistent and aggressive behaviors or actions that disturb or upset someone, often in the workplace or in personal interactions. She complained to HR because her coworker was constantly harassing her The new laws make it easier to report harassment
threaten	Threaten is used when someone is making statements or actions that imply harm or danger to another person, often in conflict or aggressive situations. He threatened her with physical harm if she didn't comply The email contained a threatening message
torment	Torment is used when someone causes extreme physical or mental suffering repeatedly or over a long period of time. The villain in the story tormented the hero relentlessly She was tormented by her memories of the past

Examples of usage

She was cyberbullied on social media.
Cyberbullying can have long-lasting effects on the victim.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

Bullying has been around for centuries, with references found in ancient texts, showing it’s not just a modern problem.
In the 19th century, schools in Europe often did not intervene in bullying, believing it helped build character.
Research found that bullying was documented in children's literature from early 20th-century stories, indicating societal awareness.

Psychology

Studies indicate that about 20% of students experience bullying, and this can lead to long-term emotional issues like anxiety and depression.
Bullies often seek power and control, driven by low self-esteem or experiencing bullying themselves at home.
Children who witness bullying are affected too—named the ‘bystander effect’—as they might feel powerless or fearful.

Legal Framework

Many countries have laws against bullying in schools, requiring schools to create anti-bullying policies.
In the U.S., various states passed legislation mandating schools to address and prevent bullying actively.
Legal actions can be taken against cyberbullying, which has increased with the rise of social media.

Pop Culture

Numerous films and books address the issue of bullying, raising awareness and empathy towards victims.
Music artists often create songs about personal experiences with bullying, helping listeners feel understood and less alone.
Television shows frequently depict bullying scenarios, helping to highlight its impact on relationships and development.

Education

Many schools implement programs focusing on social-emotional learning to help students understand and combat bullying.
Workshops and campaigns are organized regularly in educational institutions to create safe environments for students.
Educators are trained to recognize signs of bullying and intervene effectively to support affected individuals.

Translations

Translations of the word "bullying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intimidação

🇮🇳 धमकाना

🇩🇪 Mobbing

🇮🇩 penindasan

🇺🇦 знущання

🇵🇱 zastraszanie

🇯🇵 いじめ

🇫🇷 harcèlement

🇪🇸 acoso

🇹🇷 zorbalık

🇰🇷 괴롭힘

🇸🇦 تنمر

🇨🇿 šikana

🇸🇰 šikanovanie

🇨🇳 欺凌

🇸🇮 nadlegovanje

🇮🇸 einelti

🇰🇿 қорқыту

🇬🇪 შეურაცხყოფა

🇦🇿 zorakılıq

🇲🇽 acoso

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,168, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15165 solace
15166 paraphrase
15167 ling
15168 bullying
15169 pedestrians
15170 tapestry
15171 sordid
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