English Meaning & Definitions
A person who uses strength or power to coerce, intimidate, or harm those who are weaker.
- âThe school bully was finally suspended for harassing younger students.â
- âShe stood up to the office bully and reported his behavior to human resources.â
To use superior strength or influence to intimidate someone, typically in order to force them to do something.
- âOlder students should mentor younger kids, not bully them.â
- âHe tried to bully his way into getting the contract signed.â
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for âbullyâ.
Originating in the 16th century, the word originally meant 'sweetheart' or 'darling' (from Dutch 'boel', meaning lover or brother). Over time, the meaning shifted via terms of endearment used ironically for a blustering ruffian, eventually arriving at its modern sense of a person who habitually harasses those smaller or weaker.
Think of a 'bull' that charges around aggressively, trying to push people around.
Frequently Asked Questions About âbullyâ
1. What is the meaning of âbullyâ in English?
In English, bully (noun) is defined as: âA person who uses strength or power to coerce, intimidate, or harm those who are weaker.â.
2. How do you use âbullyâ in a sentence?
âThe school bully was finally suspended for harassing younger students.â
3. What are English synonyms of âbullyâ?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of âbullyâ?
Originating in the 16th century, the word originally meant 'sweetheart' or 'darling' (from Dutch 'boel', meaning lover or brother). Over time, the meaning shifted via terms of endearment used ironically for a blustering ruffian, eventually arriving at its modern sense of a person who habitually harasses those smaller or weaker.
ðŽð§More English Words to English
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A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.