harrowing

The word "harrowing" originates from the verb "harrow," which initially referred to the agricultural practice of breaking up soil with a harrow (a farming tool). Over time, "harrow" metaphorically evolved to mean "to torment" or "to distress," likely due to the violent and disruptive nature of the tool's action. The suffix "-ing" transforms it into an adjective, emphasizing the state of causing distress. The shift from literal soil-breaking to emotional torment illustrates how physical actions can inspire abstract psychological meanings.