Verbs for Harassment

to subject someone to aggressive pressure or intimidation, often causing distress or discomfort

The employee filed a complaint against a coworker who continued to harass them.

to annoy or trouble someone, especially when they are busy or want to be left alone

The constant noise from the construction site bothered residents in the neighborhood.

the fact or situation of causing a difficulty

to annoy someone repeatedly by making persistent requests

The children continued to pester their parents for a new toy.

a nocturnal animal belonging to the weasel family with short legs and gray fur

European badgers are common in woodlands and rural areas throughout Europe, recognized by their black and white facial markings.

to continuously create problems for someone or something

Technical glitches seemed to bedevil the software launch.

any dog with a sharp sense of smell or sight that can run fast, used for hunting

any type of small insect

There was a tiny bug crawling on the kitchen counter.

to irritate someone or cause problems for them, particularly by asking them to do something over and over again

Having to wait in long lines can hassle customers at the grocery store.

to continually annoy someone

The persistent telemarketer continued to harry the homeowner with calls.

to put food into the mouth, then chew and swallow it

They enjoy eating pizza on Friday nights.

to request something in an annoyingly persistent way

Fans would often importune the celebrity for autographs, even during her private outings.

to continually cause someone or something difficulty, pain, or worry

Technical issues can plague the functionality of software applications.

to cause pain, suffering, or distress, often as a result of illness, injury, or hardship

Poverty afflicts many families in this neighborhood.

to ask personal or unwanted questions

Nosy neighbors may pry into the affairs of others, seeking gossip.

to secretly observe someone

During the Cold War, intelligence agencies would spy on rival nations to gather classified information.

to secretly investigate or look around to discover private information about someone

Nosy neighbors may snoop around to find out details about each other's lives.

to secretly listen to a conversation without the knowledge or consent of those involved

The journalist discreetly eavesdropped on the confidential meeting to gather exclusive information.

to secretly enter an organization or group with the aim of spying on its members or gathering information

During the Cold War, intelligence agencies attempted to infiltrate enemy organizations for espionage.