Bullying: Definition, Examples & Prevention Tips

Meaning 1：intimidating others (bullying)

bullying 🔊

/ˈbʊliɪŋ/

It means using greater strength, power, or influence to frighten, threaten, or force someone to do something.

Bullying scene in school hallway with dominant student intimidating another

intimidating others 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ ˈʌðərz/

The act of using physical or psychological force to dominate, frighten, or coerce someone, especially repeatedly.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle Dutch 'boele' (lover) → 'fine fellow' → 'harasser' + '-ing' suffix.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a bull (strong animal) pushing a smaller animal around — 'bull-y-ing'.

📖 Example

The teacher noticed that bullying was making the new student avoid coming to school. 🔊 The teacher noticed that bullying was making the new student avoid coming to school.

🔗 Collocations

cyber bullying – harassment using digital platforms

workplace bullying – intimidation in a professional environment

bullying behavior – actions involving intimidation or coercion

🔄 Synonyms

harassment (n.) – Aggressive pressure or intimidation.

intimidation (n.) – The act of frightening someone into submission.

persecution (n.) – Systematic mistreatment based on identity or beliefs.

🚫 Antonyms

protection (n.) – The act of keeping someone safe from harm.

kindness (n.) – The quality of being friendly and considerate.

support (n.) – Assistance and encouragement.

🌱 Derivatives

bully (v.) – To intimidate or coerce someone.

bullied (adj.) – Subjected to bullying.

bullyingly (adv.) – In a manner that involves bullying.

📖 Cultural Story

Originally Dutch 'boele' meant 'lover'. By the 1600s, English 'bully' shifted to mean 'a fine fellow', then in the 1700s it took on the negative sense of 'oppressor' or 'harasser'.