Pestered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
pestered
[หpษstษrd ]
Definition
annoy persistently
To pester someone means to trouble or annoy them repeatedly, often in a way that is persistent and bothersome. This behavior typically involves continuous requests or demands that can lead to frustration. For instance, a child might pester their parent for a toy until they are granted the request. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the person doing the pestering lacks consideration for the feelings or circumstances of the one being bothered.
Synonyms
annoy, bother, harass, nag, vex.
Examples of usage
- Stop pestering me for answers.
- He pestered his teacher about the assignment.
- She pestered her friends to join her party.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Repeated annoyance can lead to increased stress and anxiety in individuals.
- Understanding the impact of being pestered can help in developing coping mechanisms to handle nagging better.
- Children often pester parents for attention; this behavior can be a sign of needing emotional support.
Cultural References
- In pop culture, characters who pester others are often portrayed humorously, like pesky little brothers or annoying sidekicks.
- Songs and films frequently depict pestering as a normal part of sibling relationships or friendships.
- The term is commonly used in jokes and anecdotes, reflecting everyday life experiences of annoyance.
Literature
- Classic literature often depicts characters being pestered as a way to highlight their flaws or the dynamics of relationships.
- Many authors use pestering as a plot device to create tension between characters, driving the story forward.
- Childrenโs books frequently incorporate pestering to explore themes of friendship and learning boundaries.
Sociology
- In social studies, pestering behavior can highlight power dynamics, such as children testing authority figures.
- Cultural norms affect what is considered acceptable pestering in families and communities.
- The effectiveness of pestering can vary based on social context, indicating how communication styles differ across cultures.
Origin of 'pestered'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'pestere', which means to bother or annoy.
- The term has roots in the Latin word 'pestis', meaning plague or pestilence, emphasizing a sense of annoyance.
- It appeared in English literature as early as the 16th century, reflecting a long history of meaning annoyance.
The word 'pester' has its origins in the late 16th century, derived from the Middle English word 'pesteren', which is a variant of 'pester', meaning to trouble or annoy. The word has roots in the Old French word 'pestifer' meaning 'pestilent' or 'causing pestilence'. The evolution continued into the modern usage where it reflects a persistent form of annoyance. The transformation in meaning encapsulates a shift from physical or literal affliction to a more abstract form of annoyance. Over the centuries, 'pester' has been utilized in various contexts to describe both trivial annoyances and more serious forms of harassment, but it remains closely tied to the idea of persistence in bothering someone, resulting in a blend of frustration and aggravation.