cyberbullying
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsaɪbərˌbʊlɪŋ/
KK: /ˈsaɪbərˌbʊlɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of using electronic communication to harm or intimidate someone, often by sending hurtful messages or spreading rumors online.
Example
Cyberbullying can have serious effects on a person's mental health.
Conversation
Did you hear about that incident of cyberbullying at school?
Yeah, it's really upsetting how people can be so cruel online.
I can't believe some kids think it's okay to spread hate like that.
I know, we should really support each other and stand against cyberbullying.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
harassment
intimidation
bullying
Antonyms
support
kindness
encouragement
verb
Definition
To bully someone using electronic means, such as social media or text messages.
Example
Many teenagers face the problem of cyberbullying every day.
Tense Forms
Past: cyberbullied
Past Participle: cyberbullied
Conversation
Did you hear about that kid who is cyberbullying others online?
Yeah, it's really sad how some people treat each other like that.
I can't believe how common cyberbullying has become these days.
Root Explanation
Cyberbullying is formed from "cyber-" (from Greek "kybernetes", meaning steersman or governor, relating to computers and the internet) and "bullying" (from the verb "to bully", which has uncertain origins but is thought to derive from the Dutch "boel", meaning lover or brother, and refers to the act of intimidating or mistreating someone). The term describes the act of intimidating or mistreating someone through digital means, particularly on the internet.
Memory Tip
Think of 'cyber-' as relating to the internet and 'bullying' as the act of intimidation. This helps you remember that cyberbullying means using the internet to intimidate or mistreat someone.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.