Words / C2

HAR-oh-ing/ˈhærəʊɪŋ/

Harrowing means extremely upsetting because it involves suffering: a harrowing account, harrowing footage. Upsetting and distressing are everyday; a harrow is a farm tool that tears the soil — the metaphor. Harrowing is not hurrying. Do not use a harrowing story as a keynote punchline.

Meaning

Extremely upsetting because it involves suffering.

Examples

• “A harrowing case study is not a punchline in a keynote.”
• “Distressing is everyday. Traumatic is stronger and clinical. A harrow breaks ground. Hurrying is speed. If you show suffering, you owe care, not a laugh line.”

Good to know

Deeply distressing to witness. Everyday: upsetting / distressing. Metaphor: a harrow (farm). Not a joke, and not “hurrying”.

Near in meaning

distressing

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