Skip to main content

harass — to subject someone to aggressive pressure or intimidation; to trouble or torment persistently

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to subject someone to aggressive pressure or intimidation; to trouble or torment persistently

Pronunciation (IPA): /həˈræs/

Example Sentences

  • My cat harasses me every morning at 5 AM for breakfast.
  • The company has a zero-tolerance policy for harassing behavior.
  • Stop harassing me with those math problems - my brain is already fried!

harass

VERB

[/həˈræs/]

to subject someone to aggressive pressure or intimidation; to trouble or torment persistently

Reporters harass the actress with flashing cameras as she leaves the theater.
💡 Concept

Reporters harass the actress with flashing cameras as she leaves the theater.

"Harry, stop!" the teacher firmly said as Harry continued to harass another student.
🧠 Mnemonic

"Harry, stop!" the teacher firmly said as Harry continued to harass another student.

The students who used to harass others felt embarrassed and finally learned to respect everyone.
🎵 Rhyme

The students who used to harass others felt embarrassed and finally learned to respect everyone.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/həˈræs/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈhærəs/

🌳Etymology

Rootharass

Origin

From French 'harasser', derived from Old French 'harer' (to set a dog on) combined with the frequentative suffix '-asser', which comes from Germanic roots related to aggression and attack.

Breakdown

har- (to harass/attack) + -ass (frequentative suffix indicating repeated action) = harass (to persistently trouble or intimidate)

🎵Rhyme

embarrass
amass

🔗Collocations

sexually harass
harass constantly
harass employees
harass witnesses
harass online

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat harasses me every morning at 5 AM for breakfast.”

“The company has a zero-tolerance policy for harassing behavior.”

😄 Fun example

“Stop harassing me with those math problems - my brain is already fried!”

“The activist was harassed for speaking out against corruption.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.