verb
pester
PEHS-tuh
Pester (verb) means to bother someone repeatedly or persistently. Example: “The kids kept pestering their dad for ice cream.”
verb
1
To bother someone repeatedly or persistently.
"He pestered me with questions."
"She pestered him to help her."
"The kids kept pestering their dad for ice cream."
"Sales reps kept pestering her with follow-up calls."
How to use pester
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo keep bothering someone with repeated requests or nagging.
Common pairings
pester someone for
stop pestering
pester with questions
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Word forms
- Plural
- pesters
- Third person singular
- pesters
- Past tense
- pestered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kids kept _____ their dad for ice cream.
Etymology
From Old French empestrer ("to encumber"), later influenced by association with "pest," shifting its meaning toward "annoy persistently."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
get out of someone's ear
get out of someone's face
get up off
give someone a break
leave alone
let alone
lay off
tolerate
Related words
Rhymes for pester
See all rhymes for pester →Frequently asked questions
What does “pester” mean?
The word “pester” means to bother someone repeatedly or persistently. In plain terms, to keep bothering someone with repeated requests or nagging.
How do you pronounce “pester”?
“Pester” is pronounced PEHS-tuh (/ˈpɛstɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pester” in a sentence?
Here is “pester” used in a sentence: “The kids kept pestering their dad for ice cream.”
What is another word for “pester”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pester” include badger, bait, bedevil, beleaguer, persecute and dog.
What is the opposite of “pester”?
The opposite of “pester” — its antonyms — are get out of someone's ear, get out of someone's face, get up off, give someone a break and leave alone.
What part of speech is “pester”?
“Pester” is a verb.
Where does the word “pester” come from?
The word “pester” comes from Old French. From Old French empestrer ("to encumber"), later influenced by association with "pest," shifting its meaning toward "annoy persistently.".
