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

Patrolling drones verge on harassment if they track individuals for lengthy periods without warrant, the groups say.

From The Wall Street Journal

The number of disciplinary actions for harassment dropped by nearly 83% to 19.

From The Wall Street Journal

He also did legal consulting for an NBA owner who was suspended after allegations of workplace harassment.

From The Wall Street Journal

To expand on the learning curve, there was a recent report that said Millie Bobby Brown had filed a complaint of bullying and harassment against David Harbour.

From Los Angeles Times

U.S. lawmakers have warned the U.K. that China could use the embassy to step up espionage and harassment of critics abroad.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• molestation
• persecution
• provocation