Harried - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

state of being

Harried describes a state of being that is marked by stress or anxiety due to overwhelming demands. It is often used to depict someone who is busy and worn out from constant pressures or responsibilities. A harried individual may find themselves juggling multiple tasks, leading to feelings of exhaustion and irritation. The term encapsulates a sense of urgency and chaos in one's life, often resulting from time constraints or high expectations.

Synonyms

agitated, frantic, hasty, stressed.

Examples of usage

The harried mother struggled to manage her children's schedules.
He felt harried by the demands of his new job.
She arrived late, looking harried and stressed.
The harried staff worked overtime to meet the deadline.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feeling harried is often linked to anxiety and stress disorders, indicating a need for time management or mindfulness.
Research shows that multitasking can lead to feeling more harried, as the brain struggles to focus on multiple tasks.
A harried state can diminish cognitive performance, leading to mistakes and increased frustration.

Pop Culture

Characters in movies often portray being harried during comedic scenes, highlighting the absurdities that arise from feeling overwhelmed.
Songs that discuss themes of busy life often evoke feelings of being harried, resonating with many who struggle with modern life's pace.
Television shows often use 'harried' protagonists, creating relatable scenarios that reflect the pressures of daily life.

Literature

Classic novels frequently depict harried characters as they navigate societal pressures, illustrating the human condition.
Poets have used the feeling of being harried to describe the hustle and bustle of urban life, capturing a sense of relentless motion.
In children’s literature, characters may feel harried as they juggle school, friends, and family obligations, teaching lessons on balance.

Historical Context

The Industrial Revolution increased the pace of life, leading to more people experiencing feelings of being harried as work demands rose.
During wartime, citizens often felt harried due to uncertainty and constant demands on their time and resources.
In recent years, the rise of digital technology has contributed to a harried lifestyle, with constant notifications and the expectation to be 'always on'.

Origin of 'harried'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'hergian', which means to pillage or to make a raid, reflecting a sense of being attacked by many tasks.
In Middle English, the term 'harried' evolved to mean tormented or distressed, emphasizing emotional strain.
The prefix 'har' relates to haste, showcasing the connection between being hurried and feeling overwhelmed.

The word 'harried' derives from the Middle English term 'harien,' which means 'to harass' or 'to plunder.' Its etymology can be traced further back to the Old English 'herian,' meaning 'to carry away' or 'to make a raid.' Historically, it was used to refer to the act of attacking or raiding in a way that causes distress or disorder. Over time, the term evolved to encompass not only physical aggression but also a more metaphorical sense of being pursued or burdened by tasks or worries. Today, 'harried' is commonly used to describe individuals who are overwhelmed by life's demands, symbolizing a modern struggle against the pace of contemporary living.

Harried Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations