Harass (hăr&aitalic_;s or h&adot_;răs), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Harassed (hăr&aitalic_;st or h&adot_;răst); p. pr. & vb. n. Harassing.] [F. harasser; cf. OF. harace a basket made of cords, harace, harasse,a very heavy and large shield; or harer to set (a dog) on.] To fatigue; to tire with repeated and exhausting efforts; esp., to weary by importunity, teasing, or fretting; to cause to endure excessive burdens or anxieties; -- sometimes followed by out.
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[Troops] harassed with a long and wearisome march. Bacon.
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Nature oppressed and harass'd out with care. Addison.
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Vext with lawyers and harass'd with debt. Tennyson.

Syn. -- To weary; jade; tire; perplex; distress; tease; worry; disquiet; chafe; gall; annoy; irritate; plague; vex; molest; trouble; disturb; torment.
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