harass

Where does the word "harass" come from? It comes from Old French harer, passing through French before entering English (1610s).

Harass’s story begins in Old French: harer meant “to set a dog on.” An Old French hunting cry 'hare!'. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as harasser. Used of troops wearing down an enemy with repeated raids. It reached English by 1610s as harass. 'harassment' at work dates from the 1900s. Today, harass means to subject to aggressive pressure.

1. Stage 1 · Old French · medieval harer "to set a dog on", an Old French hunting cry 'hare!'.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s harasser "to tire out", used of troops wearing down an enemy with repeated raids.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1610s harass "to wear out", 'harassment' at work dates from the 1900s.