Need another word for Harass? Use these synonyms of Harass from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
intimidate
bully
torment
persecute
annoy
bother
disturb
trouble
plague
pester
badger
harry
heckle
tease
taunt
ridicule
mock
scorn
threaten
menace
frighten
coerce
force
pressure
oppress
tyrannize
dominate
subjugate
overwhelm
beset
assail
attack
molest
vex
irritate
exasperate
infuriate
provoke
goad
hound
dog
pursue
Meaning of Harass
The primary meaning of the word "harass" is to cause annoying or upsetting disturbance to someone.
Definitions
- To cause someone to feel anxious or upset because of repeated unpleasant or unwanted actions or behaviour
- To repeatedly annoy or bother someone, often in a deliberate and intentional way
- To attack or trouble someone repeatedly, making it difficult for them to live or work in peace
Etymology of Harass
The word "harass" originated from the French word "harasser", which means to fatigue or to tire, and is derived from the Old French word "harer" or "harier", which means to set a dog on, to tease, or to vex
Historically, the word "harass" was first used in the 17th century to describe the act of wearing out or exhausting someone, and over time, its meaning expanded to include the sense of annoying or bothering someone
Example Uses
- The company was accused of harassing its employees with repeated demands for overtime
- The neighbor's constant noise was starting to harass the whole family
- The new policy has been designed to prevent workers from being harassed on the job