ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bully

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈbʊɫi// UK //bˈʊli// bul·ly Archaic Dialect Slang

n. a person who uses their power or strength to hurt or frighten people who are weaker. This person often repeats this behavior over time.

n. a person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable. Often implies a power imbalance and repetitive behavior.


SIMPLE

The school has a strict policy against any bully.

CONTEXTUAL

The office bully often made fun of the new interns during lunch breaks to make himself feel more powerful.

COMPLEX

Psychologists suggest that a bully often acts out of their own deep-seated insecurities, projecting their frustrations onto others to gain a temporary sense of control.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used as a subject in school or workplace contexts; can also function as a transitive verb.

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