harassment
Unwanted aggressive pressure
Harassment is persistent, unwanted behavior that disturbs, threatens, or demeans someone.
It can be verbal, physical, or digital—workplace harassment, sexual harassment, online harassment.
The word implies a pattern rather than a single incident, though severe single acts may qualify.
Legal definitions vary, but the core sense is conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating environment for the target.
Digital intimidation of others
- trollingProvoking reactions online
- doxxingPublishing personal information maliciously
- threatsDeclarations of intended harm
- hate speechLanguage attacking protected characteristics
pile-on · brigading · spam · stalking · impersonation · revenge porn · anonymous · blocking
Insulting to provoke
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- ostracismBanishment from a group
- hazingAbusive initiation practices
heckling · belittling · badgering · browbeating · intimidation · torment · name-calling · exclusion
- gropingSearching by touch alone
- leeringStaring with lustful intent
- catcallingHarassing strangers verbally
- propositionsStatements asserted for consideration
innuendo · objectification · consent · MeToo · assault · predator · victim · survivor
Legally actionable workplace harassment
- supervisorOne who directs workers
- coworkerFellow employee
- HREmployee management department
- complaintExpression of discontent
retaliation · quid pro quo · demotion · termination · Title VII · EEOC · misconduct · unprofessional
Coming after another
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- obsessionPersistent, intrusive preoccupation
- fearEmotional response to threat
- restraining orderCourt-enforced avoidance mandate
tracking · showing up · phone calls · messages · gifts · monitoring · pursuit · fixation
Expression of discontent
- lawsuitCivil court proceeding
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
- damagesCompensation for injury
- liabilityLegal or financial obligation
injunction · restraining order · cease and desist · testimony · evidence · witness · prosecution · civil
Preformed unfavorable opinion
- biasUnfair inclination or prejudice
- racismPrejudice based on ethnicity
- sexismGender-based prejudice
- ageismPrejudice targeting older people
homophobia · transphobia · xenophobia · bigotry · marginalization · profiling · targeting · slurs
cyberbullying
Digital intimidation of others
- trollingProvoking reactions online
- doxxingPublishing personal information maliciously
- threatsDeclarations of intended harm
hate speech · pile-on · brigading · spam · stalking · impersonation · revenge porn · anonymous · blocking · reporting
taunting
Insulting to provoke
hazing · heckling · belittling · badgering · browbeating · intimidation · torment · name-calling · exclusion · humiliation
unwanted advances
- gropingSearching by touch alone
- leeringStaring with lustful intent
- catcallingHarassing strangers verbally
propositions · innuendo · objectification · consent · MeToo · assault · predator · victim · survivor · misconduct
hostile work environment
Legally actionable workplace harassment
- supervisorOne who directs workers
- coworkerFellow employee
- HREmployee management department
complaint · retaliation · quid pro quo · demotion · termination · Title VII · EEOC · misconduct · unprofessional · inappropriate
following
Coming after another
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- obsessionPersistent, intrusive preoccupation
- fearEmotional response to threat
restraining order · tracking · showing up · phone calls · messages · gifts · monitoring · pursuit · fixation · escalation
complaint
Expression of discontent
- lawsuitCivil court proceeding
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
- damagesCompensation for injury
liability · injunction · restraining order · cease and desist · testimony · evidence · witness · prosecution · civil · criminal
prejudice
Preformed unfavorable opinion
ageism · homophobia · transphobia · xenophobia · bigotry · marginalization · profiling · targeting · slurs · microaggressions
- wrongdoingmisconduct, crime, sabotage, crimes, misbehavior
- career killersburnout, firing, layoff, job loss, demotion
- misconductmisconduct, bullying, stealing, vandalism, cheating
- workplace hazardsstress, burnout, fire hazard, overwork, back pain
- abusemistreatment, domestic abuse, elder abuse, maltreatment, cruelty
- legal offensesfraud, theft, perjury, assault, battery
harassmentsupport
To uphold or sustain
assistance · help · kindness · encouragement · protection
harassmentcomfort
Ease or soothing relief
reassurance · serenity · peace · tranquility · security
harassmentrespect
Regard with honor
civility · professionalism · acceptance · inclusion · welcoming
- street harassmentUnwanted public verbal intrusion
- sexual harassmentUnwelcome sexual behavior creating hostility
- workplace harassmentUnwelcome conduct at work
- online harassmentHostile conduct via internet
- digital harassmentAbusive online targeting
- racial harassmentMistreatment based on ethnicity