Badgered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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badgered
[ˈbædʒərd ]
Definition
persistent questioning
To badger someone means to repeatedly and annoyingly ask them questions or demand something from them. It often implies a sense of hassle or pressure that makes the other person uncomfortable.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The journalist badgered the politician for a statement.
- She felt badgered by her friends to make a decision.
- The kids badgered their parents for a trip to the amusement park.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'badgered'
The term 'badger' originates from the late 16th century, derived from the Old French word 'bagier', meaning to tease or to irritate. The verb form is closely linked to the behavior of humans who, much like badgers in the wild, persistently pursue their objectives, often resulting in annoyance to the target. The metaphorical use of the word has evolved, and it gained traction in modern English to describe the act of incessantly questioning or pressuring someone. The use of 'badgered' in contemporary language captures the essence of this irritation, allowing for an understanding of the pressures one can face from persistent inquiries or demands.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #33,512 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 33509 ambitiously
- 33510 resurrecting
- 33511 sanitizing
- 33512 badgered
- 33513 quested
- 33514 downplaying
- 33515 pergola
- ...