Harassments

/həˈræsmentS/ noun

Definition

Plural of harassment; multiple instances of repeated bothering, annoying, or intimidation directed at someone.

Etymology

From 'harassment' (noun from 'harass') plus the plural suffix '-s.' Harassment itself means the act or condition of being harassed.

Kelly Says

Legal definitions of 'harassments' have become increasingly specific—employers and schools now distinguish between different types of harassment (sexual, racial, etc.) when documenting multiple incidents.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural form of a term whose naming itself was an act of feminist linguistic and legal struggle; 'harassments' as a countable phenomenon emerged from making the previously normalized suddenly visible.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'harassments' to describe multiple instances neutrally. Avoid framing as primarily a gender issue unless data-specific; recognize intersectional targeting.

Empowerment Note

Women's documentation of patterns—cat-calling, workplace coercion, sexual advancement—created the linguistic category 'harassments' as evidence, not complaint.

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