Third person singular of 'hagride'—to torment or harass someone, or to ride roughly like a witch or hag might.
From Old English 'hægtesse' (witch/hag) + 'ride', literally meaning to ride like a hag. Used from medieval times to describe nightmarish disturbance or rough treatment, based on folklore about witches riding people in their sleep.
People used to blame 'hagriding' for nightmares and sleep paralysis before we understood REM sleep—they thought actual witches were sitting on their chests at night!
Plural/conjugation of 'hagride.' Perpetuates the mythological linking of female supernatural agency with male suffering, foundational to witch-hunt ideology.
Use 'torments,' 'plagues,' or 'afflicts' instead. Replace gendered supernaturalism with direct language.
["torments","plagues","afflicts"]
Women's actual power—medical knowledge, reproductive autonomy, community influence—was demonized and prosecuted. Modern language should reflect their real agency, not invert it through mythology.
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