hassle

American  

[has-uhl] / ˈhæs əl /

noun

1. a disorderly dispute.

   Synonyms:

   scrap, row, quarrel, squabble

2. a problem brought about by pressures of time, money, inconvenience, etc..

   Finding a decent place to have lunch in this neighborhood is always a hassle.

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verb (used without object)

hassled, hassling

1. to dispute or quarrel.

   children hassling over who has the most toys.

   Synonyms:

   scrap, row, quarrel, squabble

2. to take time or effort.

   We don't want to hassle with all that waiting in line.

verb (used with object)

hassled, hassling

1. to bother, annoy, or harass.

   I'll do the work, so don't hassle me.

hassle British  

/ ˈhæsəl /

noun

1. a prolonged argument; wrangle

2. a great deal of trouble; difficulty; nuisance

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verb

1. (intr) to quarrel or wrangle

2. (tr) to cause annoyance or trouble to (someone); harass

Other Word Forms

• unhassled adjective

Etymology

Origin of hassle

First recorded in 1935–40; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

As he reached to put the book up, I turned to leave, hoping to slip away without any hassle.

From Literature

It’s not the hassles and aggravation that most people put up with.

From Los Angeles Times

Some GPs said they would only sign a fit note if they felt it was "medically appropriate" but others admitted it was "not worth the grief" or "the hassle" to argue with patients.

From BBC

That may not be worth the hassle to save a few bucks on a single prescription, but it can pay off for multiple drugs taken regularly.

From Barron's

When BBC Scotland News visited, two workmen painting road markings said they had been "hassled" by locals while going about their jobs.

From BBC

Related Words

• bickering
• commotion
• difficulty
• inconvenience
• squabble
• tumult
• wrangle