Bully

Definition

Bully can function as a noun meaning a person who habitually uses strength or power to intimidate or harm others; as a verb, it means to intimidate, coerce, or mistreat someone weaker or more vulnerable. Informally, as an adjective, it can mean excellent or first-rate (chiefly historical).

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (transitive)
• Adjective (informal, historical)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈbʊl.i/
• Respelling: BOOL-ee

British English

• IPA: /ˈbʊl.i/
• Respelling: BOOL-ee

Etymology

Late 16th century (noun): of uncertain origin, perhaps from Dutch boel ‘lover, beau’ turned sarcastic to mean ‘blusterer’; verb sense from early 17th century.

Derivatives

• bullying (noun/gerund)
• bullied (verb past)
• bullying (adjective)
• bullyrag (verb)

Synonyms

• (noun) intimidator, tyrant, oppressor
• (verb) intimidate, browbeat, coerce, hector

Antonyms

• (noun) protector, defender
• (verb) support, encourage, protect

Usage

Noun: The noun "bully" is used in social, educational, and workplace contexts to refer to someone who mistreats or intimidates others. For example, "The school has a zero-tolerance policy toward bullies," or "He refused to back down in front of the playground bully."

Verb: As a verb, "to bully" means to use strength or influence to frighten or hurt someone. For example, "She was bullied mercilessly for her speech impediment," or "They bullied him into handing over his allowance."

Adjective (historical): Used informally in older texts to mean excellent or first-rate. For example, "That’s a bully idea!" (dated).

Related Terms

• Intimidation: The action of frightening or overawing someone.
• Harassment: Aggressive pressure or intimidation.
• Victim: A person harmed or injured by another.
• By-stander: One who is present but does not take part in bullying.
• Peer pressure: Influence exerted by a peer group.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A person who habitually intimidates or mistreats weaker individuals – someone who uses strength or influence to harm others physically or emotionally.
  • Example: "Teachers intervened when the bully cornered the younger student."

Verb

• To intimidate or coerce someone weaker or vulnerable – to use threats, force, or social pressure to control or harm another person.
  • Example: "He refused to let them bully him into speaking up."

Adjective (historical)

• Excellent; first-rate – used in older or colloquial usage to express approval.
  • Example: "What a bully show that was!"