gang up on

Outnumber and target

To gang up on someone is to join with others against a single target, whether for criticism, blame, or attack.

The phrase implies unfair odds—multiple people targeting one: The other kids ganged up on him at recess.

I felt like everyone was ganging up on me during the meeting.

intimidation

threaten

Promise harm or punishment

menaceSource of potential harm
cornerMeeting point of edges
surroundEnclose on every side

encircle · outnumber · mob · stalk · hound · harry · terrorize · trap · ambush · target

collusion

conspire

Plot secretly with others

colludeSecretly cooperate to deceive
plotStoryline or land parcel
schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive

coordinate · ally · team up · join forces · band together · turn against · cabal · confederate · in cahoots

coercion

pressure

Force upon contact

coerceObtain by intimidation
compelForce to act
forceStrength or compulsion

bully · push · strongarm · lean on · twist arm · railroad · browbeat · dragoon · bulldoze · steamroll

bullying

torment

Severe prolonged suffering

victimizationBeing made to suffer
scapegoatingUnfairly assigning fault to innocents
persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups

hazing · ostracism · exclusion · mockery · taunting · ridicule · humiliation · belittling · abuse · teasing

Opposites

fairness of confrontation

gang up ongo it alone

Proceed without help

direction of group action

gang up onrally around

Collectively support someone

stand up for · defend · protect · back up · support

numerical advantage in conflict

gang up onsingle out

Select for special attention

Family

gang, gangs, ganging, ganged, ganger

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G