Love bombing is a manipulative tactic commonly used by predators, abusers, and manipulators (including cult leaders, narcissists, and toxic partners) to gain rapid control over a victim by overwhelming them with excessive affection, attention, flattery, and gifts.
The stages of love bombing can be:
They bypass natural boundaries by making the victim feel like they’re in a fairy tale. Victims feel like they've found a soulmate or someone who finally gets them.
The dopamine rush from all the attention can make someone crave the love bomber’s presence or approval, just like a drug.
Once the victim is hooked, the predator begins to shift behavior: controlling, gaslighting, or isolating them from friends and family.
After the victim is emotionally invested, the love bombing stops abruptly, replaced by criticism, manipulation, or silent treatment. Victims then chase the initial affection, blaming themselves for its disappearance.
The stages of love bombing can be:
They bypass natural boundaries by making the victim feel like they’re in a fairy tale. Victims feel like they've found a soulmate or someone who finally gets them.
The dopamine rush from all the attention can make someone crave the love bomber’s presence or approval, just like a drug.
Once the victim is hooked, the predator begins to shift behavior: controlling, gaslighting, or isolating them from friends and family.
After the victim is emotionally invested, the love bombing stops abruptly, replaced by criticism, manipulation, or silent treatment. Victims then chase the initial affection, blaming themselves for its disappearance.
Person A:
Hey… can I ask you something kind of weird?
Person B
Of course. What’s up?
Person B:
So, I’ve been seeing this guy for like a week, and he’s already telling me he loves me. He texts constantly, buys me stuff, even said he could see us getting married. Is that… normal?
Person B:
Honestly? That sounds like love bombing.
Person A:
Love bombing?
Person B:
Yeah, it’s when someone overwhelms you with affection and attention early on to hook you in. It feels romantic at first, but it’s actually about control.
Person A:
Oh wow. I thought I was just overthinking it. I mean, it did feel nice at first, but now it’s a bit… too much. Like, if I don’t respond right away, he gets weirdly quiet or passive-aggressive.
Person B:
Classic sign. They make you feel special, then punish you when you don’t feed into it. That intensity isn’t love - it’s manipulation.
Hey… can I ask you something kind of weird?
Person B
Of course. What’s up?
Person B:
So, I’ve been seeing this guy for like a week, and he’s already telling me he loves me. He texts constantly, buys me stuff, even said he could see us getting married. Is that… normal?
Person B:
Honestly? That sounds like love bombing.
Person A:
Love bombing?
Person B:
Yeah, it’s when someone overwhelms you with affection and attention early on to hook you in. It feels romantic at first, but it’s actually about control.
Person A:
Oh wow. I thought I was just overthinking it. I mean, it did feel nice at first, but now it’s a bit… too much. Like, if I don’t respond right away, he gets weirdly quiet or passive-aggressive.
Person B:
Classic sign. They make you feel special, then punish you when you don’t feed into it. That intensity isn’t love - it’s manipulation.
by definitely not emir August 4, 2025
Get the Love bombingmug. A risky and often reckless slide job attempt launched from an excessive distance behind the car ahead. Typically executed with little chance of clearing cleanly, it's a desperate move made in hopes that the car in front lifts or the slide miraculously sticks.
I had the line going into Turn 3, but he sent a total fag bomb from way back, no chance he was clearing it clean
by juvilant August 6, 2025
Get the Fag Bombmug. The act of lifting someone over ones shoulder and "Yeeting" them to the ground with sufficient force to damage ones shoulder.
by Cunt_Crusher_69 October 6, 2021
Get the Power bombedmug. by K-babe January 3, 2019
Get the K-bombmug. Hym "WOOOO! CARPET BOMB RUSSELL BRAND! SET A 24 HOUR TIMER AND THEN (IN THE WORDS OF JORDAN PETERSON) 'GIVE EM HELL!' WOOOOOOOOO!"
by Hym Iam March 17, 2025
Get the Carpet Bombmug. When someone says one or more names of a person/people out of surprise or shock oblivious to the person/people who is trying to is trying to keep anonymous/unnoticed for safety, dignity, reputation etc
Person A: Man good thing we got away from Person C after you were name bombing at the sunset party me catching his attention
Person B: Why did we have to go to my apartment just to run away from Person C?
Person A: I owe Person C fifty dollars and I wanted you to not get involved in the chase
Person B: Why did we have to go to my apartment just to run away from Person C?
Person A: I owe Person C fifty dollars and I wanted you to not get involved in the chase
by Swiftescape5843 March 14, 2024
Get the name bombingmug. if you're going to build a monkey bomb, make sure you have the proper know how, otherwise we are not responsible for you injuring yourself.
by Sexydimma January 5, 2015
Get the monkey bombmug.