What does harrying mean?
Harrying means to subject someone to persistent pressure, attack, or repeated questioning, often making them feel pursued, disturbed, or worn down. The word is commonly used for the behavior of determined interviewers, demanding critics, or opponents who keep applying pressure, though it can also describe military harassment or an unrelenting series of difficulties. Its present-participle form is especially frequent in journalism and formal writing: a minister may be “harried by reporters,” while a witness may be “harrying” an investigator with questions. Harrying is more literary and dramatic than the neutral words pestering or bothering. It carries a connotation of persistence and intensity rather than a single isolated act, and can suggest either hostile pressure or, sometimes, energetic, determined questioning. The word is understood in both British and American English and is especially useful when describing pressure that feels relentless.
To torment, persistently attack, or subject someone to relentless pressure; to keep questioning or criticizing someone insistently.
"The opposition continued harrying the government about the missing funds."
The word often implies persistence and can describe either hostile behavior or determined, energetic questioning.
Characterized by persistent pressure, repeated intrusion, or relentless attack.
"She endured a harrying series of interviews and formal inquiries."
This participial use is especially common in journalism and formal prose.
Harrying turns everyday pressure into a siege: it suggests someone being pursued, questioned, and worn down without respite.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does harrying come from?
Harrying is the present participle and gerund of harry. The verb comes through Middle English harrien from Old English herian, meaning “to torment” or “distress,” and belongs to a Germanic family with related forms in languages such as Old Norse and Danish. Its deeper root is traditionally associated with a Proto-Indo-European word meaning “to cut” or “harm,” which also appears in forms such as harrow, caries, and carious.
Related word forms
How harrying is actually used
Harrying is more literary and emphatic than many everyday alternatives such as annoying or bothering. It often conveys sustained pressure, repeated intrusion, or an atmosphere of being besieged.
Easily confused with harrying
Harrying means to subject someone to persistent pressure or torment, whereas harrowing can mean to break up soil with a harrow or to cause intense distress.