Bully
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈbʊli/
- Rhymes: -ÊŠli
Origin
1530, from Dutch boel ("lover, brother"), from Middle Dutch boel, boele ("brother, lover"), from Proto-Germanic *bÅ-lan- (compare Middle Low German bÅle ("brother"), Middle High German buole ("brother, close relative, close relation"), German Buhle ("lover")), diminutive of expressive *bÅ- ("brother, father"). More at boy.
Full definition of bully
Noun
bully
(countable and uncountable; plural bullys)- A person who is cruel to others, especially those who are weaker or have less power.A playground bully pushed a girl off the swing.I noticed you being a bully towards people with disabilities.
- A noisy, blustering fellow, more insolent than courageous; one who is threatening and quarrelsome; an insolent, tyrannical fellow.
- PalmerstonBullies seldom execute the threats they deal in.
- A hired thug.
- A prostitute’s minder; a pimp.
- (uncountable) Bully beef.
- (obsolete) A brisk, dashing fellow.
- The small scrum in the Eton College field game.
- A small freshwater fish.
Verb
- (transitive) To intimidate (someone) as a bully.You shouldn't bully people for being gay.
- (transitive) To act aggressively towards.
- 2011, January 15, Sam Sheringham, Chelsea 2 -03 Blackburn Rovers, The Potters know their strengths and played to them perfectly here, out-muscling Bolton in midfield and bullying the visitors' back-line at every opportunity.
Synonyms
- (intimidate) browbeat, hector, intimidate, ride roughshod over
- (act aggressively toward) push around, ride roughshod over
Adjective
bully
Derived terms
Interjection
- (often followed by for) Well done!She's finally leaving her abusive husband — bully for her!