いびり

Derived from the verb いびる (to bully; to torment). Often used in compound forms describing the target of the bullying. The word implies persistent, calculated mistreatment rather than a single act, and is especially associated with power dynamics.

Common collocations

• 嫁(よめ)いびり: bullying of a daughter-in-law (by her mother-in-law)
• 新人(しんじん)いびり: hazing of new recruits/employees
• 姑(しゅうとめ)のいびり: mother-in-law's bullying
• いびりに遭(あ)う: to be subjected to bullying

Similar words

• いじめ: bullying — the most common general term for bullying, especially among children and in schools
• パワハラ: power harassment — workplace bullying by a superior; more formal/modern term
• 嫌(いや)がらせ: harassment — broader term for deliberate acts to annoy or distress someone