# harassment

/hɝˈæsmənt/ (US) · /həɹˈæsmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/harassment
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. unwanted behavior

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The company has a strict policy against any form of workplace harassment.
- The legal definition of harassment often requires proof that the behavior was both unwanted and repeated over a period of time.

### 2. sexual harassment

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

- She reported the manager for sexual harassment after he made several inappropriate comments.
- The human resources department conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment brought by several employees.

### 3. military pressure

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

using many small attacks to tire out an enemy army.

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

- The soldiers used constant harassment to keep the enemy from resting.
- The guerrilla forces relied on a strategy of constant harassment, avoiding major battles while slowly depleting the occupier's supplies and resolve.

## Examples

- The company has strict rules against workplace harassment.
- She reported the persistent phone calls to the police as a form of criminal harassment.
- Legal frameworks distinguish between general harassment and specific discriminatory acts, though both involve a pattern of behavior intended to disturb or upset the victim.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.