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

A teenager has now been charged with 22 offences, including assault, theft, arson, criminal damage, breaching a dispersal order and racially aggravated harassment.

From BBC

Rampant dehumanization doesn’t just lead to greater hate and harassment against adults.

From Salon

Police said the women came from three different parts of the country but all told "very similar stories of harassment and coercive control".

From BBC

The employees are backed by Starbucks Workers United, the union representing Starbucks workers that has had years-long clashes with the company over issues ranging from hours and pay to staffing and harassment.

From Salon

After showing up again in December, he admitted harassment and the breach and attempted breach of his restraining order, and was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison earlier this year.

From BBC

Related Words

• molestation 
• persecution 
• provocation