[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/harass/)

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# harass

verb (harass, harasses, harassed, harassing)

«harass» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To keep annoying, upsetting, threatening or bothering someone again and again. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/harass/#m1)
2. To make repeated small attacks on an enemy. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/harass/#m2)

### In the lessons

A serious word in safety and citizenship lessons: harassing someone online or in person is bullying and can be against the law. Children should tell a trusted adult if someone harasses them. In history, soldiers harass an enemy army with small attacks.

### Examples

- It is wrong to harass people online. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/harass/#x1)
- The boys were told off for harassing the younger children. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/harass/#x2)
- Tell a teacher if anyone harasses you.. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/harass/#x3)
- Small groups of soldiers harassed the enemy's supply wagons. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/harass/#x4)
- She felt harassed by the constant phone calls. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/harass/#x5)

### Note

Spelling trap: one r, double s — harass (not «harrass»). Two pronunciations: HA-rus or ha-RASS. Noun: harassment. «Harassed» can also mean stressed and tired (a harassed mum).

## In Jewish tradition

Here it means to attack and trouble an enemy again and again. In Job and the Psalms it means to torment someone weak, as one might harass a driven leaf or a soul in distress, and Isaiah says those who harass Judah will be cut off.

**Interpretation.** The command to harass Midian comes after Midianite women led Israel into sin at Peor. Tradition reads it as a warning to deal firmly with those who lead others to sin. Isaiah is read as promising a future time when Israel's old quarrels end.

### Examples

- 'Harass the Midianites, and smite them; (Torah NUM.25.17, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/H/harass/#x1)
- Wilt Thou harass a driven leaf? (Writings JOB.13.25, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/H/harass/#x2)
- And in Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that harass my soul; for I am Thy servant. (Writings PSA.143.12, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/H/harass/#x3)
- The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and they that harass Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. (Prophets ISA.11.13, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/H/harass/#x4)

### Note

Spelling trap: one r, double s — harass (not «harrass»). Two pronunciations: HA-rus or ha-RASS. Noun: harassment. «Harassed» can also mean stressed and tired (a harassed mum).

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «harass» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/harass/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«harass» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/harass.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «harass» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/H/harass/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«harass» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/harass.html) on Mova free.