cyberbully

American  

[sahy-ber-bool-ee] / ˈsaɪ bərˌbʊl i /

verb (used with or without object)

cyberbullied, cyberbullying

1. to bully online by sending or posting mean, hurtful, or intimidating messages, usually anonymously.

   The 12-year-old had been cyberbullied for almost a year.

---

noun

plural

cyberbullies

1. a person who does this.

Other Word Forms

• cyberbullying noun

Etymology

Origin of cyberbully

First recorded in 1990–95; cyber- + bully ¹

Example Sentences

He claimed he did not know Valdes aside from their one interaction on the Hinge app and called her a cyberbully who shared his personal information online.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2024

“I think I will always treat people with dignity, respect and kindness,” he said, “and I will never cyberbully one of my constituents.”

From Washington Post • Feb. 9, 2022

John Legend is standing by his wife's, Chrissy Teigen, side as she takes responsibility for being a cyberbully in the past.

From Fox News • Jun. 16, 2021

Unfortunately, a cyberbully can easily post derogatory information about their victim, which has the ability to reach a wide spectrum of other individuals.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 26, 2018

And since this same cyberbully won a little election earlier this month, he seems to have spent most of his time haranguing the New York Times on Twitter.

From The Guardian • Nov. 28, 2016