Harasser: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used in situations where someone repeatedly bothers or annoys another person in a way that is unwelcome. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts and is considered negative.

• She filed a complaint against her harasser at work.
• The online community took steps to remove the harasser from their platform.

This term is frequently used in school or childhood settings where someone uses strength or power to intimidate those who are weaker. It can also be used for adults in non-physical contexts.

• The school took action to stop the bully from picking on younger students.
• Even in the office, he was known as a bully who made others feel small.

This term is used to describe someone who causes severe suffering or mental anguish to another person. It is a strong and negative word often used in contexts involving prolonged and intense distress.

• The character in the novel was haunted by his tormentor's constant threats.
• She couldn’t focus on her work because of her tormentor’s relentless mental games.

This word is used in more severe contexts involving continuous, hostile, and unfair treatment, often for reasons like race, religion, or personal beliefs. It is strongly negative and typically used in legal or historical contexts.

• The refugees fled their country to escape their persecutors.
• He was known as a persecutor during the regime's oppressive rule.

Identical to a previous entry, indicating persistent troubling or annoying behavior.

• Repeated across different contexts, showing the versatility of the term.

Describes someone who uses digital platforms, such as social media or messaging apps, to intimidate, harass, or harm others. This term specifically applies to online interactions and is often discussed in the context of children or teenagers.

• The school implemented stricter rules to combat cyberbullies.
• Cyberbullies often hide behind anonymous profiles to attack their victims.

Used to refer to someone who deliberately posts provocative or off-topic messages in an online community to elicit reactions, often causing disruption or upset. Trolls are typically found on forums, social media, or comment sections.

• The discussion was derailed by a troll who posted inflammatory comments.
• Don't feed the troll; ignoring them is often the best strategy.

Refers to someone who mistreats others, often through physical, emotional, or psychological harm. This term is usually used in the context of relationships or situations involving power dynamics, and has a strong negative connotation.

• The victim bravely spoke out about her experiences with her abuser.
• The organization offers support to those suffering from domestic abusers.

Usually refers to someone who persistently bothers or annoys another person. This term is commonly used in the context of workplace or sexual harassment.

• The company took action against the employee who was accused of being a harasser.
• She felt uncomfortable because her harasser kept making inappropriate comments.

Refers to the act of making someone afraid or overawed, often to achieve a particular goal or control them. This can be done through threats, displaying power, or aggressive behavior.

• The large dog was meant to intimidate potential intruders.
• She used her high position to intimidate her employees into following her rules.

Typically used to describe someone who uses strength or power to intimidate or harm those who are weaker. Often seen in school settings but can apply to any scenario involving a power imbalance.

• The school has a zero-tolerance policy against bullies.
• He remembered the bully who used to take his lunch money.

Describes causing severe physical or mental suffering. The term implies prolonged and intense distress or suffering.

• The prisoner was tormented by the guards.
• Memories of the tragic event continue to torment him.