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Harassment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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harassment

[ˈhærəsmənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

workplace

Harassment refers to any unwanted or unwelcome behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. This can include verbal abuse, threats, unwelcome physical contact, or discriminatory actions.

Synonyms

bullying, discrimination, intimidation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harassment

Harassment is often used to describe unwanted behavior that is repeated and makes someone feel intimidated or distressed. It can occur in various settings, such as workplaces, schools, or public spaces.

  • She reported her boss for harassment after he continuously made inappropriate comments.
  • Online harassment has become a serious issue on social media platforms.
bullying

Bullying typically refers to repeated aggressive behavior with the intention to harm or control another person. It is often seen in schools among children and teenagers but can occur in any setting.

  • The school has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.
  • He faced bullying from his peers because of his appearance.
intimidation

Intimidation refers to the act of frightening or threatening someone, often to make them do something against their will. It can be physical or psychological.

  • The witness was subjected to intimidation to prevent them from testifying.
  • His commanding tone created an atmosphere of intimidation.
discrimination

Discrimination involves treating people unfairly or unjustly based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or religion. It frequently occurs in contexts like employment, education, and housing.

  • They sued the company for racial discrimination.
  • Discrimination in the workplace is illegal under federal law.

Examples of usage

  • Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal and can result in serious consequences.
  • Employees should report any instances of harassment to HR immediately.
  • Training programs on harassment prevention are essential for creating a safe work environment.
Context #2 | Noun

online

Online harassment involves the use of electronic communication to bully, threaten, or intimidate others. This can take the form of cyberbullying, trolling, or stalking on social media platforms.

Synonyms

cyberbullying, internet trolling, online abuse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harassment

Use when referring to any form of aggressive pressure or intimidation, which can occur in any environment, including workplaces, schools, or online.

  • She filed a complaint about the harassment she experienced at work.
  • Harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
cyberbullying

Specifically refers to bullying or harassment using digital technologies such as social media, messaging platforms, gaming, or mobile phones.

  • The school has launched a new initiative to combat cyberbullying among students.
  • Cyberbullying can have serious effects on a person's mental health.
online abuse

Encompasses various forms of harm or harassment conducted through the internet, including threats, insults, and stalking. This term has a broad and serious connotation.

  • Online abuse forced him to deactivate his social media accounts.
  • They are launching a campaign to raise awareness about online abuse.
internet trolling

Describes deliberately provocative or disruptive behavior online dedicated to upsetting or angering other users, often for amusement. This term is typically negative.

  • She decided to report the internet trolling to the forum moderators.
  • Internet trolling can escalate quickly and create a toxic online environment.

Examples of usage

  • Victims of online harassment often experience anxiety and fear for their safety.
  • Platforms need to implement better measures to prevent online harassment and protect users.
  • Cyberbullying is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on mental health.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the French word 'harasser', meaning to tire out or wear down.
  • In the late 19th century, it began to be associated with unfair treatment, especially in workplaces.
  • The legal definition began to evolve in the 1970s, as awareness of people's rights grew.

Law

  • Harassment can take many forms, including verbal, physical, and online behaviors.
  • There are specific laws in many countries that protect individuals from harassment at work and in public spaces.
  • Victims of harassment often have the right to report the behavior without fear of retaliation.

Psychology

  • Repeated exposure to harassment can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Psychological research shows that just witnessing harassment can affect bystanders' mental health too.
  • Individuals who are harassed may experience a decrease in self-esteem and confidence over time.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous films and books have tackled the issue of harassment, highlighting its damaging effects.
  • The #MeToo movement, which started in 2006, raised global awareness about sexual harassment.
  • Many popular songs address themes of empowerment in the face of harassment, encouraging resilience.

Social Issues

  • Harassment is often linked to power dynamics, where one person feels entitled to harm another.
  • In recent years, increased attention has been given to online harassment, particularly on social media platforms.
  • Community support and education play vital roles in addressing harassment and helping victims.

Origin of 'harassment'

The word 'harassment' originated from the French word 'harasser' which means 'to tire out' or 'exhaust'. It was first used in the 17th century to describe the act of tormenting or troubling someone persistently. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a wider range of behaviors that cause distress or harm to individuals. Today, harassment is recognized as a serious issue in various contexts, including the workplace, online interactions, and social settings.

See also: harass, harassed, harasser, harassing.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,271 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.