bully

noun (1)

bul·ly | \ ˈbu̇-lē

, ˈbə-\

plural bullies

Definition of bully

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : a blustering, browbeating person especially : one who is habitually cruel, insulting, or threatening to others who are weaker, smaller, or in some way vulnerable tormented by the neighborhood bully

b : pimp

2 : a hired ruffian

3 archaic

a : sweetheart

b : a fine chap

bully

verb

bullied; bullying

Definition of bully (Entry 2 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to treat (someone) in a cruel, insulting, threatening, or aggressive fashion : to act like a bully toward bullied her younger brother

2 : to cause (someone) to do something by means of force or coercion was bullied into accepting their offer

intransitive verb

: to use language or behavior that is cruel, insulting, threatening, or aggressive

bully

adjective

Definition of bully (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : excellent —often used in interjectional expressions bully for you

2 : resembling or characteristic of a bully his bully tricks

bully

noun (2)

Definition of bully (Entry 4 of 4)

food : pickled or canned usually corned beef

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Bully Wasn't Always Negative More Example Sentences Learn More about bully

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Choose the Right Synonym for bully

Verb

intimidate, cow, bulldoze, bully, browbeat mean to frighten into submission. intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another. intimidated by so many other bright freshmen cow implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost. not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats. bulldozed the city council into approving the plan bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior. bullied into giving up their lunch money browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment. browbeat the witness into a contradiction