pester
Pester (verb) means to bother someone repeatedly or persistently. Example: “The kids kept pestering their dad for ice cream.”
How to use pester
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo keep bothering someone with repeated requests or nagging.
Word forms
pestered past tense, pesters plural, pesters singular
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
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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.".