Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

harass

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of harass

to use up all the physical energy of
  • had been visibly harassed by the demands of the presidency
Synonyms of harass

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

debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, sap, waste, weaken
Phrases Synonymous with harass

wear to a frazzle
Near Antonyms of harass

activate, energize, invigorate, rejuvenate, strengthen, vitalize

relax, rest, unwind

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

Learn More about harass

  1. See words that rhyme with harass Dictionary: Definition of harass Spanish Central: Translation of harass Nglish: Translation of harass for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of harass for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up harass? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games