verb
harass
huh-RAS
verb
1
To repeatedly trouble, pester, or intimidate someone, especially in a way that is unwanted or illegal.
"He was fired for harassing a colleague over several months."
"The company introduced a strict policy against harassing customers online."
2
To wear someone down with repeated demands or attacks.
"Small guerrilla units harassed the retreating army for days."
How to Use Harass
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo repeatedly bother, intimidate, or attack someone.
Common mistake
Note the spelling: one R, two S's — "harass," not "harrass."
Common pairings
harass an employee
sexually harass
harass and intimidate
Word Forms
harassed past tense, harasses plural, harasses singular
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He was fired for _____ a colleague over several months.
Etymology
From French harasser ("to exhaust, torment"), possibly from Old French harer, a command used to set a dog on someone or something.