bul·ly·ing
ˈbu̇-lē-iŋ
ˈbə-
: abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful, etc. : the actions and behavior of a bully
Her own childhood had been made miserable by bullying …—Michael Holroyd
… underestimates the plain meanness behind the pleasure people take in bullying.—George F. Will
: prone to or characterized by overbearing mistreatment and domination of others
… dominated the program but did so in a bullying manner that made him appear crabbier and more churlish than ever.—Tom Shales
At his worst, he was just another loud, boorish, bullying … drunk …—Bartholomew Gill
The bullying husband is … living out a way of being that he learned at home as a child.—Robert Karen
bullying
3 of 3present participle of bully entry 2
Cite this Entry
“Bullying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullying. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.
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