To harass someone is to bother or attack them repeatedly in a way that upsets, scares, or pressures them.
From French “harasser,” meaning to tire out or torment, possibly from a word related to hunting dogs worrying their prey. The focus was originally on wearing someone down through constant attacks.
Both pronunciations—hə-RASS and HAIR-əs—are common, which is why people argue about it. The historical sense of ‘wearing down’ still fits modern harassment: it’s often about many small actions that add up to serious harm.
While the verb itself is not inherently gendered, in many legal and workplace contexts 'harass' and especially 'sexual harassment' have been disproportionately applied to behavior targeting women and gender minorities. The term has thus accumulated a history tied to power imbalances, gendered violence, and workplace discrimination.
Use the term consistently regardless of the gender of the victim or perpetrator, and avoid implying that harassment is only a women's issue. Be explicit about context (e.g., workplace, online, street) rather than gender when possible.
When discussing harassment, acknowledge the role of women and gender minorities in defining, naming, and fighting against harassment in law, policy, and workplace norms.
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