Definition

A person who uses the internet to harass or intimidate others, often through social media or messaging platforms.

Example

The school took action against the student for being a cyberbully.

Conversation

Did you hear about that cyberbully who was targeting kids online?

Yeah, it’s really sad that people can be so cruel from behind a screen.

I can’t believe how common cyberbullying has become these days.

I know, we need to raise awareness and support those affected.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To harass or intimidate someone through digital means, such as social media or messaging apps.

Example

He decided to cyberbully his classmate by sending hurtful messages online.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard someone at school got cyberbullyed last week.

That's really unfortunate; it happens way too often online.

Yeah, we should definitely talk about it more to raise awareness.

Root Explanation

Cyberbully is formed from "cyber-" (from Greek "kybernetes", meaning steersman or governor, related to control and communication in the digital realm) and "bully" (from Middle Dutch "boele", meaning a sweetheart or a term of endearment, which evolved to mean a blustering, quarrelsome person). The term describes someone who uses digital platforms to intimidate or harass others.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cyber-' as relating to the digital world where communication happens, and 'bully' as someone who intimidates. This helps you remember that a cyberbully is someone who uses digital means to intimidate others.

Visually Confused Words