Harassment

Definition

Harassment refers to the act of persistently annoying, tormenting, or intimidating someone.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /həˈræsmənt/ or /ˈhærəsmənt/
• Respelling: huh-RASS-muhnt (with "huh" as in "sofa," "RASS" as in "grass," and "muhnt" as in "moment")or
• Respelling: HAR-uhs-muhnt (with "HAR" as in "car," "uhs" as in "bus," and "muhnt" as in "moment")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhærəsmənt/
• Respelling: HAR-uhs-muhnt (with "HAR" as in "car," "uhs" as in "bus," and "muhnt" as in "moment")

In American English, "harassment" can be pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable (huh-RASS-muhnt) or the first syllable (HAR-uhs-muhnt). In British English, the primary stress is usually on the first syllable, "HAR" (HAR-uhs-muhnt).

Etymology

Derived from the French word "harasser" which means "to tire out," "harassment" entered the English language in the early 17th century. It can be traced back to the Old French "harer" meaning "to set a dog on."

Derivatives

• Harass (verb)
• Harasser (noun)
• Harassing (adjective)
• Harassed (adjective)
• Non-harassment (noun)

Synonyms

• Intimidation
• Persecution
• Molestation

Antonyms

• Support
• Encouragement
• Assistance

Usage

Harassment can take various forms, including verbal, physical, sexual, and cyber harassment. It is recognized as a serious issue that can lead to legal consequences and is subject to regulations and policies aimed at preventing and addressing it in different contexts.

Related Terms

• Bullying
• Discrimination
• Victimization
• Cyberbullying
• Stalking

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Aggressive Pressure or Intimidation: Behavior that seeks to disturb, worry, or trouble someone, often repeatedly and without invitation.
  • Example: She reported the harassment to her supervisor after enduring inappropriate comments for weeks.

• Unwanted Behavior: Actions that cause distress or discomfort to an individual, typically due to their persistent and intrusive nature.
  • Example: The school has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment among students.

• Workplace and Legal Contexts: Unwelcome conduct that can be discriminatory in nature, such as sexual harassment or racial harassment, and may result in a hostile work environment.
  • Example: The company implemented training programs to prevent harassment in the workplace.