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

Explanation

If someone is abusing, insulting, or otherwise harming you on a regular basis, it's called harassment. Cruel and usually really annoying, harassment is also illegal in some cases. Harassment is a word that describes any kind of ongoing torment. At school, harassment is often known as bullying. In the workplace, employees need to be careful about sexual harassment. Harassment involves persistent attacks or abuse, and can range from shouting racial slurs to crank calling your ex-boyfriend every night at 3am. Even teasing your kid sister about her braces could be considered harassment.

Example Sentences

Urge legislators to take action to limit mandatory arbitration, as when Congress enacted a law in 2022 prohibiting sexual harassment and sexual assault claims from being forced into arbitration.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

"His lawsuit remains nothing more than a harassment campaign that's driven by ego, jealousy and a desire to slow down a competitor."

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

When the men follow them to their seats to continue the harassment, the singer puts it to a halt with a confrontational, “Stop! . . . Gimme a beat!”

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

It was part of a pattern of police harassment that he’d endured for much of his adult life, she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

He’s right, of course, about the harassment thing.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

Related Words

• molestation
• persecution
• provocation