Main Entry: ha·rass

Pronunciation: \hə-ˈras; ˈher-əs, ˈha-rəs\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: French harasser, from Middle French, from harer to set a dog on, from Old French hare, interjection used to incite dogs, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hier here — more at here

Date: 1617

1 a : exhaust, fatigue b (1) : to annoy persistently (2) : to create an unpleasant or hostile situation for especially by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct
2 : to worry and impede by repeated raids <harassed the enemy>

synonyms see worry

— ha·rass·er noun

— ha·rass·ment \-mənt\ noun