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harassmentaggressive pressure or intimidation, especially of a persistent nature

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: aggressive pressure or intimidation, especially of a persistent nature

Pronunciation (IPA): /həˈræsmənt/

Example Sentences

  • The celebrity hired bodyguards to protect her from paparazzi harassment.
  • My cat thinks meowing at 3 AM is affection, but I call it harassment.
  • The company implemented strict anti-harassment training for all employees.

harassment

NOUN

[/həˈræsmənt/]

aggressive pressure or intimidation, especially of a persistent nature

The company immediately investigated the harassment after an employee reported repeated bullying.
💡 Concept

The company immediately investigated the harassment after an employee reported repeated bullying.

"Harry, stop!" the teacher firmly said as Harry's repeated bullying became harassment.
🧠 Mnemonic

"Harry, stop!" the teacher firmly said as Harry's repeated bullying became harassment.

The harassment finally ended after the embarrassment encouraged everyone to show respect instead.
🎵 Rhyme

The harassment finally ended after the embarrassment encouraged everyone to show respect instead.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/həˈræsmənt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈhærəsmənt/

🌳Etymology

Rootharass
Suffix--ment

Origin

The word derives from 17th-century French 'harasser,' originally meaning to drive game by using hunting dogs. The sense evolved metaphorically to describe the persistent and relentless act of troubling or tormenting someone, much like a hunting dog relentlessly pursuing its prey.

Breakdown

harass (to trouble, from French harasser) + -ment (noun suffix indicating an action or state).

🎵Rhyme

embarrassmentassessmentharassment
embarrassment
assessment
harassment

🔗Collocations

sexual harassment
workplace harassment
verbal harassment
online harassment
file a harassment complaint
harassment policy

📝Examples

The celebrity hired bodyguards to protect her from paparazzi harassment.

😄 Fun example

My cat thinks meowing at 3 AM is affection, but I call it harassment.

The company implemented strict anti-harassment training for all employees.

😄 Fun example

He considered his mother's daily calls about marriage as loving harassment.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

bullyingintimidationpersecutiontormentabuse

Antonyms

protectionsupportencouragement

Related

harassharasservictimcomplaintdiscrimination

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