Har″ass (hăr″as), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Harassed (–ast); 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.
harassed with a long and wearisome march. Bacon.
Nature oppressed and harass'd out with care. Addison.
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.