picked on
Targeted for harassment
Picked on describes being singled out for persistent teasing, criticism, or bullying.
The target is usually someone perceived as weaker or different: He was always picked on for being small, Why do you keep picking on your little sister?
The phrase implies unfair, repeated mistreatment rather than a single incident.
- harassedPersistently tormented
- bulliedRepeatedly mistreated by aggressors
- pushed aroundCoerced through intimidation
- ganged up onAttacked as a group
- houndedPersistently pursued or pressured
beaten up · ostracized · persecuted · tormented · teased · victimized · pestered · taunted · laughed at · shamed · demeaned · put down · scapegoated · maltreated · ridiculed · singled out · mocked · abused
treatment/social targeting
picked ondefended
Shielded from harm
protected · championed · supported · looked after · taken care of
pick, picked, picking, picks, picker, pickers, pickaxe, toothpick, nitpick