cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ 

-ˌbə-

: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person (such as a student) often done anonymously

cyberbully

ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē 

-ˌbə-

noun or verb

Examples of cyberbullying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yeoh’s Wicked co-star Erivo earlier in the festival day also discussed the film’s success and decried the cyberbullying of co-star Ariana Grande. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024

Cherie Jimenez is sharing her experience with cyberbullying. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

While sensitive data might be misused in the wrong hands for cyberbullying, harassment, doxing or even stalking, there are also several beneficial ways to use OSINT and take advantage of this accessible information. —Tom Madsen, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

The filmmakers are sloppy at handling the reveal of who’s behind Hope’s cyberbullying. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˈbu̇l-ē-iŋ 

: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person often done anonymously

cyberbully

-ˈbu̇l-ē 

noun or verb

Legal Definition

cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ, -ˌbə- 

: the verbal bullying of someone (as a classmate) through the use of often anonymous electronic communication (as online posts or text messages) see also cyberstalking