Harrying

Harrying describes the act of tormenting or attacking someone persistently, often with the intent to bother, exhaust, or intimidate. It can involve verbal abuse, physical threats, military raids, or the continuous imposition of demands or burdens. The underlying objective is to cause discomfort, stress, or disruption, making the target feel vulnerable and pressured. This action may be carried out in various contexts such as interpersonal conflict, political strategies, or military campaigns, highlighting its versatility as a tool of aggression or control.

Harrying meaning with examples

• The constant criticism from her boss was genuinely harrying her. She felt overwhelmed by the unrelenting negativity, making her dread going to work. It was an insidious form of psychological manipulation designed to undermine her confidence and make her compliant, leading to a feeling of helplessness and stress and impacting her professional performance.
• Guerrilla forces specialized in harrying the larger army, using hit-and-run tactics. Their strategy involved launching quick attacks, disrupting supply lines, and then retreating before the enemy could retaliate, weakening the enemy's resolve, creating chaos, and effectively slowing their advance. The aim was to wear down the opponent over a long period.
• The landlord's frequent inspections and unreasonable demands were a harrying tactic to force the tenants to leave. They were constantly subjected to new rules and threats, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and instability, trying to make them feel uncomfortable in their own home, making it hard for the family to live in peace.
• During the protest, the police were accused of harrying peaceful demonstrators with unnecessary force and intimidation. Their actions, including aggressive questioning and arbitrary arrests, were meant to scare and suppress dissent, with tactics designed to silence opposition and discourage future gatherings, violating their freedom of expression.