harass
What does "harass" mean?
To harass someone means to subject them to persistent, unwanted, and annoying behavior that causes distress or exhaustion. The mental image is of a person being constantly "poked" or pressured by someone else, making it impossible for them to find peace or perform their daily tasks effectively. This word often appears in legal or professional contexts, such as "sexual harassment" or "harassment in the workplace." It is a strong, serious term that implies an ongoing pattern of behavior rather than a single, one-time interaction. Use it carefully, as it carries heavy negative weight.
"harass" in conversation
Workplace conflict
I need to report my manager for harassment.
I need to report my manager for harassment.
What has he been doing?
What has he been doing?
He keeps sending me aggressive emails after midnight.
He keeps sending me aggressive emails after midnight.
Used to describe a pattern of behavior that crosses professional boundaries.
Online gaming
Stop harassing the new player, please.
Stop harassing the new player, please.
I'm just teasing them!
I'm just teasing them!
It doesn't look like teasing; they're about to log off.
It doesn't look like teasing; they're about to log off.
Used here to describe repetitive taunting that ruins the user experience.
"harass" in a sentence
The stray dog continued to harass the cat.
The stray dog continued to harass the cat.
Employees are protected from being harassed at work.
Employees are protected from being harassed at work.
Constant notifications on my phone feel like a form of digital harassment.
Constant notifications on my phone feel like a form of digital harassment.
