2026

Harass

//həˈɹæs//

Definitions

verbharasses · harassing · harassed

1
To annoy (someone) frequently or systematically; to pester.
For it is a stout calf, ripe for the temples and altar [to be sacrificed], and to be sprinkled with wine; who is now ashamed to draw the dugs of his mother, and who harasseth the oaks with his budding horn.
Similar
beleaguer beset chevy
2
To put excessive burdens upon (someone); to subject (someone) to anxieties.
To harass good people is no different than speaking ill of them.
Similar
afflict distress afflict
3
To trouble (someone, or a group of people) through repeated military-style attacks.
But meanevvhile, to harraſſe and vvearie the Engliſh, they [the French] did vpon all aduantages ſet vpon them vvith their Light-Horſe; vvherein neuertheleſſe they receiued commonly loſſe, eſpecially by meanes of the Engliſh-Archers.
Similar
harry

nounharasses

1
Harassment; pestering.
Mean while the men of Judah to prevent / The harraſs of thir Land, beſet me round; […]

Word Origin

The verb is derived from Middle French, Old French harasser (“to exhaust, tire out, wear out; to harry, torment, vex”) (modern French harasser (“to exhaust, tire out, wear out”)), possibly from Old Fr...

Explore more words in the dictionaryWord of the Day

Translations

Select a language to see translations