noun / verb
troll
TROHL/trəʊl/
deliberate online provocation or a person who engages in it
The troll smiles while posting comments that upset other people online.
Etymology
The older verb for rolling developed a fishing sense, moving a baited line through water. The online label seems to combine this image of enticing a response with the folklore troll, a troublesome supernatural being.
In context
broader kind of troll culture where they just want to engage with people to get people angry or riled up.
More examples
- The moderator banned two trolls from the discussion forum.
- Someone keeps trolling the gardening group with insults about beginners.
- Don't troll people just because you disagree with their reviews.
Forms
troll · trolls · trolled · trolling
trolling noun — deliberately provoking or harassing people online
Similar words
- instigator
- Starts trouble or encourages action, not necessarily online.
- bully
- Intimidates or mistreats people, rather than simply provoking reactions.