A Word A Day : Bully




Thursday, 11th October 2007 : Today's Word is ...

Bully



( Verb & Noun )


Pronunciation : bol-lee

1. A person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people

2. An aggressive person who intimidates or mistreats weaker people

3. A hired ruffian

4. To treat in an overbearing or intimidating manner


Etymology:


Possibly from Middle Dutch boele, sweetheart, probably alteration of broeder, brother

Synonyms:


Tormenter, Aggressor, Persecutor, Tyrant, Oppressor, Intimidator, Browbeater, Bulldozer, Hector, Intimidator


Antonyms:


Lover, Helper, Friend, Cajole, Flatter, Urge, Allow, Leave Alone


Contextual Examples:




• I know whom I may bully and whom I must flatter. And I thus prolong my life to a good old age.

• I knew that boy at school. He took great airs on himself because he was a farmer's son. He used to swagger about and bully the little boys.

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