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 Words From

• over·harass·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of harassment¹

First recorded in 1750–55; harass + -ment

Example Sentences

In December 2023, a Manhattan jury found Majors, 35, guilty on one count of assault in the third degree and one count of harassment in the second degree.

From Los Angeles Times

In March Kerr pleaded not guilty after being charged with racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in London.

From BBC

Those involved, including the deputies, “tried to destroy me, physically, mentally, my reputation,” Zelocchi said, adding that he was forced to relocate to Europe as a result of the harassment.

From Los Angeles Times

Lincolnshire Police and Humberside Police both say tackling harassment and improving women’s safety is a “priority”.

From BBC

But long before Musk's involvement in aiding Trump, Musk destabilized X, making it a breeding ground for more hate speech, harassment and unchecked artificial intelligence.

From Salon

Related Words

• molestation
• persecution
• provocation