Bullyable

/ˈbʊliəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be bullied; easily intimidated or pushed around by others.

Etymology

From 'bully' (possibly from Dutch boel, lover, or German Buhle) + '-able' suffix (from Old English suffix -abel). The word suggests someone who can be victimized.

Kelly Says

This word became more common in the 1990s when schools started seriously addressing bullying—psychologists noticed that 'bullyable' kids shared traits like avoiding confrontation and seeking approval, making them targets.

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