harassment

[huh-ras-muhnt, har-uhs-muhnt]

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.

Pronunciation Note

See harass.

Other Word Forms

• overharassment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of harassment¹

First recorded in 1750–55; harass + -ment

Example Sentences

Their statement refers to "another instance of police harassment" and suggests that the ban is intended to "cynically lock-out anti-board sentiment".

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The harassment, and a string of revelations about her private life, ultimately prompted her to quit the band.

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According to an African diplomatic source in Bamako, the jihadists "may initially launch a harassment operation", but would not be able to take Bamako on their own.

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He advised her if she returned to Leicestershire she could face harassment charges.

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It comes after the Mail on Sunday reported that Brown had filed a "harassment and bullying claim" against Harbour before filming began last year.

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Related Words

• molestation 
• persecution 
• provocation