Word
bullying
Phoneticsbul·ly·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbʊɫiɪŋ/
UK/bˈʊlɪɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the behavior of hurting, frightening, or excluding someone over a period of time.
n. the persistent and intentional use of physical or psychological power to intimidate or harm others.
Examples
“The school has a strict policy against bullying.”
“Teachers are trained to recognize the signs of cyber bullying and intervene before the situation escalates.”
“Workplace bullying often takes the form of subtle psychological manipulation rather than overt physical threats, making it difficult for human resources departments to document and address effectively.”
Examples
simple
“The school has a strict policy against bullying.”
contextual
“Teachers are trained to recognize the signs of cyber bullying and intervene before the situation escalates.”
complex
“Workplace bullying often takes the form of subtle psychological manipulation rather than overt physical threats, making it difficult for human resources departments to document and address effectively.”
Etymology
From bully + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/bullying