Harass
/həˈræs/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo persistently subject someone to aggressive pressure or intimidation.
/həˈræs/
To trouble or annoy someone, especially persistently.
The bully continued to harass the smaller children on the playground.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone won't leave you alone. They keep bothering you, maybe with mean words or actions. That's harassing! Like when a little brother keeps asking 'Are we there yet?' every 2 minutes, it can feel like harassment!
👶 For kids: To keep bothering someone and making them feel uncomfortable.
More Examples
She felt harassed by the repeated unwanted advances of her coworker.
The protestors were accused of harassing passersby.
How It's Used
"The constant phone calls harassed her."
"He was accused of harassing his neighbors."
"She felt harassed by her manager's behavior."
To make repeated attacks on an enemy or area.
/həˈræs/
To make repeated attacks on (a place or person).
The enemy forces harassed the troops with sniper fire.
💡 Simply: Imagine an army doesn't attack all at once. Instead, they keep popping up, like when a mosquito bothers you all day: bite, bite, bite! This harassing strategy tries to wear down the enemy. In sports, it could be defenders attacking a QB.
👶 For kids: To keep attacking someone or something.
More Examples
The defense harassed the opposing team's offense.
Guerillas harassed the occupiers with hit-and-run tactics.
How It's Used
"The guerillas harassed the army's supply lines."
"The defense harassed the quarterback all game."
Idioms & expressions
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature.
"The company had a strict policy against sexual harassment in the workplace."
Cyber Harassment
Harassment that takes place online, often through social media or messaging apps.
"Cyber harassment can have devastating psychological effects on victims."
From French harasser, from Old French harer (“to harry, torment”), probably from hare (“to harry”).
The word 'harass' entered English in the 16th century, initially referring to military attacks or raids. Its use gradually expanded to encompass broader forms of annoyance and intimidation.
Memory tip
Imagine a HARASSING RAIN, constantly falling and annoying you.
Word Origin
"to harry, torment"