bullying
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
For noun sense 1, bullying is the broad everyday word for cruel treatment that comes from a power gap, especially when the target cannot easily defend themselves. Harassment is more formal and is common in school, workplace, and legal contexts; it often stresses repeated unwanted comments, messages, or pressure. Intimidation focuses on fear: someone may use size, threats, or status to make another person back down. Abuse is broader and stronger, because it can include violence, family harm, or long-term cruel treatment beyond ordinary bullying. Teasing is much lighter and can even be friendly, though repeated cruel teasing may turn into bullying. Compare: joking with a close friend may be teasing; taking a classmate's lunch money every Friday is bullying.
Etymology
Bullying is the -ing form of bully. English borrowed bully in the 1500s, probably from Dutch, where it referred to a loved person or close companion. Over time the word turned negative, first for a loud, rough man and later for someone who frightens weaker people. From the verb bully, English formed bullying in the late 1700s for the behaviour itself, and later also used it as an adjective for a threatening, overbearing manner.