What term describes the act of using superior strength or social status to intimidate someone?

The term that accurately describes the act of using superior strength or social status to intimidate someone is bullying. Bullying involves repeated aggressive behavior, where an individual or group seeks to exert power over another person through intimidation, threats, or coercion. This behavior often stems from a perceived difference in power, whether it is physical strength, access to resources, or social standing.

In the context of bullying, the focus is on the systematic and intentional misuse of power to harm or dominate others, which distinguishes it from other forms of negative interactions. For example, teasing can sometimes be playful and not meant to harm, harassment involves unwanted aggressive behavior but may not always include a power dynamic, and manipulation often involves deceit or controlling someone in a more subtle manner without necessarily resorting to intimidation. Thus, bullying is the most fitting term for this particular scenario.