harass
UK: həˈræs | US: həˈræs
vt. to persistently annoy, torment, or intimidate someone
vt. to exhaust or wear out through repeated demands or attacks
The word "harass" originated in 16th-century French as harasser, meaning "to exhaust" or "to tire out," particularly in the context of hunting dogs chasing prey. It evolved from the Old French harer ("to set a dog on"), which may trace back to Germanic roots related to commanding animals. Over time, the meaning expanded to include persistent psychological or emotional pressure, reflecting its original sense of relentless pursuit.
The manager was accused of trying to harass his employees with unreasonable demands.
Online trolls often harass celebrities with hateful comments.
The lawyer warned the client not to harass the witness.
Persistent phone calls from debt collectors can feel like harassment.
Wildlife should not be harassed by tourists seeking photos.