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Definition of griefing

griefing

/ˈɡriː.fɪŋ/
grief · ing
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griefing Lexical Profile

griefing Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

In online multiplayer video games, the act of deliberately irritating, harassing, or sabotaging other players in ways not intended by the game designers, such as destroying their creations or obstructing their progress for one's own amusement.

Example

"The server administrators banned several accounts after receiving repeated complaints about griefing in the shared building zone."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for griefing

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'griefing' (deliberately harassing or sabotaging other players in online games) with 'grieving' (feeling or expressing sorrow over a loss).

• Rhymes for griefing

• Nearby Words

gridlocked
grief
griefer
griefing
grievance
grieve
griever

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late-1990s online multiplayer gaming culture (notably in games such as Ultima Online) from the slang phrase 'to give someone grief,' meaning to cause annoyance or trouble.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Griefing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/griefing
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