bully

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bully" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who intimidates another person, either physically or indirectly, often through their words or actions. For example: "The bully threatened to beat up the younger student if he didn't hand over his lunch money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The public health community has an important role to play in demonstrating the magnitude of tobacco's threat to public health and calling on governments to strip away the trademark protections, rights to sue and opportunities to lobby that big tobacco uses to bully public representatives.

The Guardian

Axact employees operating a boiler room-style operation also allegedly posed as US officials to bully potential customers into paying thousands of dollars for worthless accreditation.

The Guardian

Or when Bubbles goads the junkie bully, thinking he has Herc to come and back him up, only to be beaten severely?

The Guardian

And they won't bully you about it because they're the same".

The Guardian

Allan was a bully at school, and his first appearance in court was at the tender age of 15 for knifing a workmate.

The Guardian

Even from that precarious position, as Blair had anticipated, the new first minister made like Teddy Roosevelt, using his official residence, Bute House, as a bully pulpit to build support for the SNP and independence.

The Guardian

"Sooner or later, surely, they must start to feel ashamed of their paper's attempt to bully and censor?" Both former cabinet minister Lord Tebbit, and Lord Bell, former adviser and friend to Thatcher, criticised the BBC decision in the Mail on Sunday, with Tebbit telling the paper: "It's a sick book from a sick mind and it's being promoted by a sick broadcasting corporation".

The Guardian - Books

Richard Desmond has hit out at the power of Sir Martin Sorrell's UK media buying operation, arguing that it is so dominant that it can bully media owners by threatening to cut client marketing spend.

The Guardian

He will be a bully, a thrower of tantrums.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of the women we spoke to said that the so-called "activists" use their position to bully other prisoners and complained about the constant "pressure to participate" and "incessant" competitions.

The Guardian

One cannot imagine anyone being able to bully Birch, now 19, for she is intelligent and determined and seems to know exactly what she is doing.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "bully", be specific about the type of behavior being described to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it involves physical intimidation, verbal abuse, or cyberbullying.

Common error

Avoid limiting your understanding of "bully" to solely physical aggression. Bullying encompasses a range of behaviors, including social exclusion, spreading rumors, and online harassment, all of which can have significant negative impacts.

Linguistic Context

The word "bully" functions as both a noun, referring to a person who intimidates others, and a verb, describing the act of intimidation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Examples show its use in news reports and academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "bully" is widely used as both a noun and a verb to describe acts of intimidation and aggression. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, the word serves to identify and condemn harmful behaviors. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to be specific about the type of bullying to avoid ambiguity. Understanding the scope and nuances of "bully" can help writers communicate more effectively and accurately about this pervasive issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimidate

Focuses on the act of making someone afraid, which is a core aspect of bullying.

coerce

Highlights the use of force or threats to make someone do something.

harass

Emphasizes persistent and unwanted actions that torment or bother someone.

torment

Stresses the infliction of severe mental or physical suffering.

oppress

Indicates the exercise of authority or power in a cruel or unjust manner.

tyrannize

Suggests ruling or treating someone with absolute and cruel power.

browbeat

Implies intimidating someone with stern or abusive words.

strong-arm

Focuses on the use of force or coercion to achieve something.

push around

Indicates treating someone in a domineering or oppressive way.

victimise

Highlights the act of making someone a victim.

FAQs

How can I use "bully" in a sentence?

You can use "bully" as a noun to refer to a person who intimidates others, or as a verb to describe the act of intimidating someone. For example, "The school bully targeted new students" or "Don't bully others online."

What are some synonyms for "bully"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "intimidate", "coerce", "harass", or "oppress" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "bully" formal or informal?

"Bully" is generally considered a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's best to use more precise language when writing formally.

What's the difference between "bully" and "intimidate"?

"Bully" often implies repeated and persistent behavior, while "intimidate" can refer to a single act of causing fear or submission.