pester

/ˈpestə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈpestər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpe-stər/ (ame, mw)

pester — verb

  • pesterpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • pestershe / she / it
  • pesteredpast simple
  • pestering-ing form

1. to keep bothering someone with repeated requests, questions, or other small acti

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to keep bothering someone with repeated requests, questions, or other small actions that annoy them.

例句

Leo kept pestering his sister to lend him her bike.

pattern: pester somebody to do something

All week, reporters pestered the coach for details about the trade.

pattern: pester somebody for something

同義詞
  • nag

    very close, but it often suggests repeated complaining or scolding as well

  • badger

    stronger, often used when someone pushes hard for an answer

  • bother

    broader and weaker; it can describe one interruption, not only repeated ones

  • harass

    much stronger and more serious, often suggesting unfair or aggressive treatment

反義詞
  • leave alone

    to stop bothering someone and let them be

  • let be

    to stop interfering or making requests

文法句型

pester somebody for something

pester somebody with questions

pester somebody to do something

用法筆記

The object is usually a person or group, and the annoyance often appears in patterns like 'for something', 'with questions', or 'to do something'. Intransitive use is mostly heard in commands such as 'Stop pestering!'

常見錯誤

❌Leo pestered to his sister for the bike.
✅Leo pestered his sister for the bike.
💡put the person directly after 'pester'.
❌The children pestered their mother buy ice cream.
✅The children pestered their mother to buy ice cream.
💡use 'to' before the infinitive.