harass

play

verb ha·rass \hə-ˈras; ˈher-əs, ˈha-rəs\

Definition of harass

transitive verb
1a : exhaust, fatigue I have been harassed with the toil of verse — William Wordsworthb (1) : to annoy persistently was harassing his younger brother (2) : to create an unpleasant or hostile situation for especially by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct was being harassed by her classmates claims that the police were unfairly harassing him
2 : to worry and impede by repeated raids harassed the enemy

harasser

noun

harassment

play play \hə-ˈras-mənt; ˈher-əs-, ˈha-rəs-\ noun

See harass defined for English-language learners

See harass defined for kids

Examples of harass in a Sentence

She was constantly harassed by the other students.
He claims that he is being unfairly harassed by the police.

Origin and Etymology 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

Synonym Discussion of harass

worry, annoy, harass, harry, plague, pester, tease mean to disturb or irritate by persistent acts. worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation. pursued a policy of worrying the enemy annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks. you're doing that just to annoy me harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power. harassed on all sides by creditors harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment. the strikers had been harried by thugs plague implies a painful and persistent affliction. plagued all her life by poverty pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks. constantly pestered with trivial complaints tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath. children teased the dog

HARASS Defined for English Language Learners

harass

play

verb ha·rass \hə-ˈras; ˈher-əs, ˈha-rəs\

Definition of harass for English Language Learners

: to annoy or bother (someone) in a constant or repeated way
: to make repeated attacks against (an enemy)

HARASS Defined for Kids

harass

play

verb ha·rass \hə-ˈras, ˈher-əs\

Definition of harass for Students

harassed

;

harassing

1 : to annoy again and again
2 : to make repeated attacks against an enemy

harassment

\-mənt\ noun

Law Dictionary

harass

play

transitive verb ha·rass \hə-ˈras, ˈhar-əs\

Legal Definition of harass

: to subject persistently and wrongfully to annoying, offensive, or troubling behavior a collection agency harassing a debtor — see also sexual harassment