bully
One who typically interacts with others, particularly those percieved as weaker or less powerful, by using tactics of fear and intimidation for the purpose of exercising undue, inappropriate and often arbitrary control over them. The word is derived from the word "bull", and that animal's generally agressive behavior.
The bully is generally interested in power for its own sake and for the sensation of strength it brings them, as opposed to a strategic use of power for the purpose of attaining some specific result. This sensation of strength is of particular value to the bully as it often serves to counteract, at least superficially, underlying self-doubt as to the bully's own value and worth.
Bully can be used as a noun (a bully) or a verb (to bully), which simply means to display the behavior exhibited by a bully.
The bully is generally interested in power for its own sake and for the sensation of strength it brings them, as opposed to a strategic use of power for the purpose of attaining some specific result. This sensation of strength is of particular value to the bully as it often serves to counteract, at least superficially, underlying self-doubt as to the bully's own value and worth.
Bully can be used as a noun (a bully) or a verb (to bully), which simply means to display the behavior exhibited by a bully.
(n): He was afraid to walk home from school alone for fear that Tom, a neighborhood bully, would spot him.
(v): His father was an insecure man who would often bully his own children simply to impress his drinking buddies.
(v): His father was an insecure man who would often bully his own children simply to impress his drinking buddies.
bully by Gregory Ross May 30, 2006
Get the bully mug.