ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bullied

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈbʊɫid// UK //bˈʊlɪd// bul·lied

v. to hurt, frighten, or threaten someone who is smaller or less powerful than you. It often happens many times rather than just once.

v. to use superior strength or influence to intimidate someone, typically to force them to do something. The past tense or past participle form of 'bully'.


SIMPLE

He was bullied by older students at his previous school.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager was accused of having bullied several employees into working unpaid overtime during the holidays.

COMPLEX

Sociologists argue that the child was bullied not because of any personal flaw, but because the school environment lacked clear boundaries regarding interpersonal conduct.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and typically used in the passive voice when focusing on the victim.

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