Blog

Bullying

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. The act of using strength or influence to intimidate or harm others, often repeatedly.
2. A pattern of aggressive behavior intended to hurt, dominate, or control someone, typically over an extended period of time.
3. The behavior of a person who seeks to intimidate or harm weaker individuals, often in social or educational settings.

History and Origin

The word bullying comes from the Dutch word boel, meaning “lover” or “brother” in the 16th century. However, over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a person who uses their power or strength to intimidate or control others. The modern definition, emphasizing aggressive and harmful behavior, became common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term “bullying” has expanded to include verbal, emotional, and social forms of harassment, not just physical aggression.

Detailed Explanation

Bullying involves intentional and repeated aggressive behavior that targets an individual with the aim of causing harm, fear, or distress. It can manifest in several ways, including physical violence, verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, social exclusion, or online harassment (cyberbullying). Bullying is often seen in schools, workplaces, and social groups, and it can have severe psychological and emotional effects on the victim. The behavior is typically carried out by individuals who seek to assert power over others, often targeting those who are perceived as weaker or more vulnerable.

Example Sentences

1. The student reported the bullying he had been experiencing in the schoolyard.
2. She became a victim of bullying after moving to a new city.
3. The company took immediate action to address the bullying behavior among employees.
4. He faced relentless bullying from his classmates because of his appearance.
5. The school’s bullying prevention program was successful in reducing incidents of harassment.
6. Social media platforms have become common spaces for bullying through cyber harassment.
7. She stood up to the bullying and helped the others in the group feel safe.
8. He was subjected to constant bullying at work because of his different opinion.
9. The principal spoke out against the bullying that had been happening on campus.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Harassment – Persistent and aggressive behavior aimed at disturbing or upsetting someone, similar to bullying.
2. Intimidation – The act of frightening or making someone feel afraid, often as a form of bullying.
3. Persecution – The prolonged mistreatment of someone, often related to bullying behaviors.
4. Torment – To cause severe emotional or physical pain, closely associated with bullying.
5. Victimization – The act of treating someone as a target, often leading to feelings of oppression similar to bullying.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Cyberbullying – Bullying that occurs over digital platforms such as social media, email, or messaging apps.
2. Teasing – Mild or playful ridicule, which can escalate into bullying if done repeatedly or maliciously.
3. Aggression – Hostile or violent behavior, a key component of bullying actions.
4. Peer pressure – The influence from peers to engage in certain behaviors, which can sometimes lead to bullying.
5. Exclusion – The act of intentionally leaving someone out of a group or activity, often a form of bullying.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Abuse – The mistreatment of someone, often used in the context of bullying when the behavior is severe.
2. Mistreatment – Poor or harmful treatment of others, frequently a component of bullying.
3. Discrimination – The unjust treatment of people based on differences, often leading to bullying.
4. Harangue – A lengthy and aggressive speech aimed at criticizing or attacking someone, often similar to bullying behavior.
5. Hostility – Unfriendly or antagonistic behavior, often seen in bullying.

Antonyms

1. Kindness – The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, the opposite of bullying.
2. Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, contrary to the aggressive nature of bullying.
3. Support – To help or assist others, the opposite of the harmful behavior associated with bullying.
4. Respect – To regard someone with esteem or honor, opposite of the degrading actions involved in bullying.
5. Compassion – Concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others, contrasting with the cruelty of bullying.