bully
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bully, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who deliberately mistreats, threatens, or intimidates others they see as weaker.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bully
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Originally (1530s) a term of endearment from Dutch boel ("lover, brother"); it darkened in meaning during the 1600s to describe a blustering, cruel person.
Full origin of bully →Frequently asked questions
What does “bully” mean?
The word “bully” means a person who deliberately mistreats, threatens, or intimidates others they see as weaker. In plain terms, someone who uses their power or size to hurt or scare people who can't easily fight back — or the act of doing that.
How do you pronounce “bully”?
“Bully” is pronounced BUU-lee (/ˈbʊli/ in IPA).
How do you use “bully” in a sentence?
Here is “bully” used in a sentence: “The teacher stepped in when she saw the bully shoving smaller kids around.”
What part of speech is “bully”?
Depending on how it is used, “bully” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “bully” come from?
The word “bully” dates back to around 1530 and comes from Dutch. Originally (1530s) a term of endearment from Dutch boel ("lover, brother"); it darkened in meaning during the 1600s to describe a blustering, cruel person.
Is “bully” a common word?
“Bully” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “bully” have?
“Bully” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who deliberately mistreats, threatens, or intimidates others they see as weaker.
What is the difference between a 'bully' and a 'tormentor'?
A bully repeatedly mistreats, threatens, or intimidates people they see as weaker, usually as part of an ongoing pattern with a power imbalance. A tormentor causes someone distress or suffering but not necessarily from a position of perceived strength or through sustained intimidation. All bullies torment, but not every tormentor fits the bullying pattern.
What is the difference between 'bullying' and 'teasing'?
Teasing is usually light, playful, and two-sided, and it stops once it upsets someone. Bullying is deliberate, repeated, and one-sided, meant to hurt or intimidate a person seen as weaker. The defining differences are intent to harm, an imbalance of power, and repetition.
What is a 'bully pulpit'?
A 'bully pulpit' is a prominent position that gives someone a strong platform to speak out and influence public opinion. The phrase uses the dated sense of 'bully' meaning excellent or first-rate, not the sense of intimidation.