harass

ha·rass

transitive verb \hə-ˈras; ˈher-əs, ˈha-rəs\

Definition of HARASS

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>

— ha·rass·er noun

— ha·rass·ment \-mənt\ noun

Examples of HARASS

1. She was constantly harassed by the other students.
2. He claims that he is being unfairly harassed by the police.
3. The troops harrassed the defeated army throughout its retreat.

Origin of HARASS

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

First Known Use: 1617

Related to HARASS

Synonyms

break, burn out, bust, do in, do up, drain, fag, fatigue, frazzle, exhaust, kill, knock out, outwear, tire, tucker (out), wash out, wear, wear out, weary

Related Words

debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, sap, waste, weaken

Near Antonyms

activate, energize, invigorate, rejuvenate, strengthen, vitalize; relax, rest, unwind

See Synonym Discussion at worry

Rhymes with HARASS

arras, arris