harassment

American  

[huh-ras-muhnt, har-uhs-muhnt] / həˈræs mənt, ˈhær əs mənt /

noun

1. an act or instance of harassing; torment, vexation, or intimidation.

   daily harassment by bullies at school;

   the harassments of daily life.

2. the condition or fact of being harassed.

   the stress of harassment and discrimination.

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Pronunciation

See harass.

Other Word Forms

• overharassment noun

Etymology

Origin of harassment

First recorded in 1750–55; harass + -ment

Example Sentences

The defendants were all convicted last month at Stratford Magistrates' Court of harassment without violence.

From BBC

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said in response that the government wouldn't tolerate new technology being used to create more violence and harassment against women and girls.

From BBC

Victims say they have received online harassment since the documents became public.

From The Wall Street Journal

For days before Lemon’s arrest, she had slammed his actions, writing on X that she and Bondi “will not tolerate harassment of Americans at worship — especially from agitators posing as ‘journalists.’”

From Los Angeles Times

Current protesters should emulate that dignity and power, not fall into formless jeering and harassment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• molestation
• persecution
• provocation