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bully

/ˈbʊli/

noun

Meaning

  • A person who is intentionally, physically, or emotionally cruel to others; especially to those who are weaker or have less power or privilege.

    "A playground bully pushed a girl off the swing."

  • A noisy, blustering fellow, more insolent than courageous; one who is threatening and quarrelsome; an insolent, tyrannical fellow.

  • A hired thug.

  • A sex worker’s minder.

  • Bully beef.

  • A brisk, dashing fellow.

  • The small scrum in the Eton College field game.

  • Various small freshwater or brackishwater fish of the family Eleotridae; sleeper goby.

  • An (eldest) brother; a fellow workman; comrade

  • A companion; mate (male or female).

  • A darling, sweetheart (male or female).

  • A standoff between two players from the opposing teams, who repeatedly hit each other's hockey sticks and then attempt to acquire the ball, as a method of resuming the game in certain circumstances.

  • A miner's hammer.

Synonyms

henchman,
thug,
pimp

verb

Meaning

  • To intimidate (someone) as a bully.

    "You shouldn't bully people for being gay."

  • To act aggressively towards.

Synonyms

push around,
ride roughshod over

adjective

Meaning

  • Very good.

    "a bully horse"

  • Jovial and blustering.

Synonyms

dashing,
excellent

interjection

Meaning

  • (often followed by for) Well done!

    "Bully, she's finally asked for that promotion!"