English Reference
adjective · verb · noun

harassing

adj. · v. · n.
US /hɝˈæsɪŋ/ UK /həɹˈæsɪŋ/ ha·rass·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing behavior that is annoying, stressful, or makes you feel unsafe because it happens repeatedly.

    adj.characterised by persistent pestering, intimidation, or unwanted attention that creates a hostile environment.

    Simple

    The worker complained about the harassing phone calls he received after work hours.

    In context

    The legal team argued that the constant, harassing surveillance by the private investigator constituted a clear breach of privacy laws.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the action of annoying or upsetting someone over and over again.

    v.the present participle of 'harass', used to describe the ongoing action of subjecting someone to aggressive pressure or intimidation.

    Simple

    Stop harassing your sister and let her finish her homework in peace.

    In context

    The supervisor was accused of harassing junior staff members by setting impossible deadlines and criticizing their personal lives.

    assistingleaving alone
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act or activity of bothering or upsetting someone.

    n.the gerund form used to denote the general activity or instance of harassment.

    Simple

    The company has a very strict policy against any kind of harassing in the office.

    In context

    The report detailed several instances of harassing that had gone unpunished due to a lack of clear reporting procedures within the department.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated