Words / C1

HAR-uh-sm-uh-nt/ˈhærəsmənt/

Harassment is unwanted behaviour that intimidates, offends, or humiliates: sexual harassment, a harassment policy. Harass is the verb. Teasing can be milder and mutual; abuse is broader. British stress is often on the first syllable. Do not use harassment for a single blunt but professional refusal.

Meaning

Unwanted behaviour that intimidates, offends, or humiliates someone.

Examples

• “The policy names harassment; a single rude email is still logged.”
• “The code defines harassment; a pattern of comments is logged even if each one “was a joke”.”
• “To harass is the verb; a deadline reminder is not harassment because it is the job.”

Good to know

Unwanted intimidating behaviour. Verb: harass. Milder/mutual: teasing. Policy word: take the definition seriously.

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