What does pester mean?
To pester someone is to keep bothering them, usually by asking repeated questions, making persistent requests, or refusing to leave them alone. The word commonly describes behaviour that is mildly irritating but not seriously aggressive, such as a child repeatedly asking for a snack or someone continuing to seek an answer after it has already been given. “Pester” is often used in phrases such as “pester someone with questions” and “pester someone for something.” It can sound stern or negative in formal reporting, but in friendly contexts it may be humorous and indicate playful persistence. The word derives from “pest,” itself connected with something troublesome or harmful, so its central idea is being repeatedly troubled by someone who will not stop.
verbTo repeatedly annoy, bother, or persistently demand something from someone. It can also mean to continue bothering someone with requests or questions.
- To repeatedly annoy or bother someone.
- To persistently ask or request something from someone.
"The children pestered their father for another story until he finally gave in."
"She pestered her brother about returning the borrowed book."
"Reporters pestered the minister for a statement after the briefing."
The word pester links persistent annoyance to the word pest: something small but troublesome that will not leave you alone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pester come from?
“Pester” developed from the noun “pest” with the suffix “-er,” a formation that here indicates a person who pesters. “Pest” is recorded in English by the early 16th century and comes through Old French “peste” from Latin “pestis,” meaning “plague” or “contagion.” The older sense of “pest” included a troublesome person or nuisance, which provided the basis for the modern verb meaning to annoy or persistently request something.
Related word forms
How pester is actually used
Commonly informal and mildly negative, though it can be used playfully when the annoyance is harmless or affectionate.
Easily confused with pester
To pester is to repeatedly annoy someone, whereas to fester is to become worse or develop, often referring to a wound, dispute, or grievance.