harass

/ˈhærəs/ (bre, ipa) · /həˈræs/ (ame, ipa) · /hə-ˈras ˈher-əs ˈha-rəs/ (ame, mw)

harass — verb

  • harass,,present simple I / you / we / they
  • harasspresent simple I / you / we / they
  • harasses,,he / she / it
  • harasseshe / she / it
  • harassed,,past simple
  • harassedpast simple
  • harassing,,-ing form
  • harassing-ing form

1. to keep bothering, frightening, or pressuring a person over a long stretch of ti

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to keep bothering, frightening, or pressuring a person over a long stretch of time — for example through repeated insults, messages, threats, or unwanted physical contact.

例句

Yasmin's manager harassed her for weeks about leaving early on Fridays.

harass + object + about + reason

Reporters harassed the actor outside his hotel until security finally arrived.

subject = group of people pestering a target

同義詞
  • pester

    lighter; informal nagging rather than threatening behaviour

  • hound

    emphasises relentless pursuit, often by press or creditors

  • intimidate

    focuses on creating fear; one act can intimidate, harass needs repetition

反義詞

文法句型

harass + object

be harassed by + agent

用法筆記

Object is usually a person (or group) on the receiving end of the unwanted behaviour. Frequently passive with 'by' naming the source of pressure. Distinguish from sense 2, where the object is an enemy force rather than an individual person.

常見錯誤

❌He harassed me yesterday once.
✅He kept harassing me for weeks.
💡harass implies repeated behaviour over time, not a single incident.
❌The noise harassed me last night.
✅The noise annoyed me last night.
💡harass takes a person as object, not an event or feeling.

2. to weaken an opposing army or group by hitting them with small, repeated attacks

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to weaken an opposing army or group by hitting them with small, repeated attacks rather than one big battle.

例句

Small cavalry units harassed the retreating soldiers along the mountain road.

subject = small attacking force; object = larger enemy force

Rebel boats harassed the supply ships for three nights before the navy responded.

同義詞
  • raid

    single quick attack; harass implies many over time

  • skirmish with

    two-sided small clash; harass is one-sided pressure

文法句型

harass + enemy/troops

用法筆記

Subject is usually a smaller or irregular military force; object is the enemy's troops, ships, supply lines, or camps. Most often found in military history and news reporting. Distinct from sense 1 because the target is a fighting force, not an individual person.

常見錯誤

❌The army harassed one big attack on the city.
✅The army launched one big attack on the city.
💡sense 2 means many small strikes, never one decisive battle.