tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath.
children teased the dog
Example Sentences
She was constantly harassed by the other students. He claims that he is being unfairly harassed by the police.
Recent Examples on the WebThose vessels could harass shipping or lay new mines. Jared Malsin, WSJ, 14 Sep. 2022 The Sky continued to harass the young guard into mistakes, forcing her into five turnovers. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2022 Mejia was scared more people would come in to harass them — or worse. Ben Goggin, NBC News, 19 Aug. 2022 Even though monkeypox is being used to harass people right now, bad actors who truly wish to deepen victims’ shame will always find a way to do so. Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2022 The company balked when the committee issued a formal subpoena, demanding proprietary information on its revenue from AR-15-style guns, despite no clear purpose other than to harass the company and feed an anti-gun narrative. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 16 Aug. 2022 People who harass or assault often do so repeatedly, sometimes with dozens of victims. Charlie Lieu, Outside Online, 31 Jan. 2019 In the video, a group of locals harass a pair of juvenile leopards that seem to be severely drugged. Ben Ayers, Outside Online, 27 July 2022 In both instances, came into my photography class with Mr. and began to harass me about . Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
French harasser, from Middle French, from harer to set a dog on, from Old French hare, interjection used to incite dogs, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hier here — more at here