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harassment

n.
US //hɝˈæsmənt// UK //həɹˈæsmənt// ha·rass·ment
  1. 1 unwanted behavior (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    unwanted behavior that makes you feel upset, worried, or unsafe, especially when it happens repeatedly.

    the act of systematic or continued unwanted behavior that causes distress or fear in the recipient.

    Example

    The company has a strict policy against any form of workplace harassment.

    Example

    The legal definition of harassment often requires proof that the behavior was both unwanted and repeated over a period of time.
  2. 2 sexual harassment (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    unwanted sexual comments, looks, or physical contact that makes someone feel uncomfortable.

    unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

    Example

    She reported the manager for sexual harassment after he made several inappropriate comments.

    Example

    The human resources department conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment brought by several employees.

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  1. 3 military pressure (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Military

    using many small attacks to tire out an enemy army.

    the use of repeated small-scale attacks or maneuvers designed to wear down the morale and resources of an enemy force.

    Example

    The soldiers used constant harassment to keep the enemy from resting.

    Example

    The guerrilla forces relied on a strategy of constant harassment, avoiding major battles while slowly depleting the occupier's supplies and resolve.
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French harassement. By surface analysis, harass + -ment.

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