harass

Everyday

1. To keep annoying, upsetting, threatening or bothering someone again and again. tree →
2. To make repeated small attacks on an enemy. tree →

In the lessons

A serious word in safety and citizenship lessons: harassing someone online or in person is bullying and can be against the law. Children should tell a trusted adult if someone harasses them. In history, soldiers harass an enemy army with small attacks.

Examples

• It is wrong to harass people online. tree →
• The boys were told off for harassing the younger children. tree →
• Tell a teacher if anyone harasses you.. tree →
• Small groups of soldiers harassed the enemy's supply wagons. tree →
• She felt harassed by the constant phone calls. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: one r, double s — harass (not «harrass»). Two pronunciations: HA-rus or ha-RASS. Noun: harassment. «Harassed» can also mean stressed and tired (a harassed mum).

In Jewish tradition

Here it means to attack and trouble an enemy again and again. In Job and the Psalms it means to torment someone weak, as one might harass a driven leaf or a soul in distress, and Isaiah says those who harass Judah will be cut off.

Interpretation. The command to harass Midian comes after Midianite women led Israel into sin at Peor. Tradition reads it as a warning to deal firmly with those who lead others to sin. Isaiah is read as promising a future time when Israel's old quarrels end.

Examples

• 'Harass the Midianites, and smite them; (Torah NUM.25.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wilt Thou harass a driven leaf? (Writings JOB.13.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• And in Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that harass my soul; for I am Thy servant. (Writings PSA.143.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and they that harass Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. (Prophets ISA.11.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling trap: one r, double s — harass (not «harrass»). Two pronunciations: HA-rus or ha-RASS. Noun: harassment. «Harassed» can also mean stressed and tired (a harassed mum).