Harass: meaning, definitions and examples

Harass is used when someone is being repeatedly and intentionally subjected to unwelcome behavior, often in a way that is aggressive or threatening. It can be used in both professional and personal settings and often has a legal connotation.

• She decided to report her colleague for harassment.
• They were harassed by telemarketers who wouldn't stop calling.

Bother is similar to annoy but is often used when someone is interrupting or causing inconvenience to another person. It can indicate both minor irritations and slight disturbances.

• I didn't want to bother you while you were working.
• The constant phone calls started to bother him.

Pester is used for situations where someone is persistently bothering or annoying another person with repeated requests or questions. It is usually more playful but can become irritating.

• The kids pestered their parents for sweets.
• He pestered his friend with too many questions about the movie.

Annoy is used when someone is causing slight irritation or bother to another person. It is generally less severe and more temporary than harassment.

• The loud music from next door is starting to annoy me.
• He kept tapping his pen, which really annoyed everyone in the room.

Torment is used when someone is causing severe physical or mental suffering to another person. It suggests a high level of cruelty and has a very negative connotation.

• He was tormented by nightmares for years after the accident.
• The captives were tormented by their guards.

Bully is used when someone uses their power or strength to intimidate or harm another person. It often occurs in schools, workplaces, and online environments and has a very negative connotation.

• The older children would often bully the younger ones on the playground.
• She felt bullied by her boss's constant criticism.

Applied when someone repeatedly annoys or bothers another person. This can be in the workplace, at school, or online.

• Her coworker continued to harass her with unwelcome comments despite her complaints
• The neighbor was accused of harassing the family next door

Refers to making someone feel afraid or overpowered, often used in situations involving threats or coercion.

• The gang used intimidation to control the neighborhood
• She felt a strong sense of intimidation when her boss raised his voice

Typically involves aggressive behavior with an intent to harm or control someone, usually in school or online settings among children and teenagers. It implies a power imbalance.

• The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying
• He was bullied by his classmates because he was different

Implies persistent and systematic mistreatment, often based on religion, race, or political beliefs, and is frequently used in historical or human rights contexts.

• The refugees were escaping religious persecution in their homeland
• Ethnic persecution has led to many conflicts in the region

Specifically refers to making unwanted or inappropriate physical advances or actions, often of a sexual nature. It is usually considered a criminal act.

• The man was arrested for molestation after several complaints from women
• Child molestation is a serious crime with severe penalties

Describes prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control, often associated with large groups or societies where one group dominates another.

• The history of the country is marked by periods of severe oppression
• Many people fled to escape racial oppression