Harassment means repeatedly bothering, intimidating, or being mean to someone in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, upset, or unsafe. Unlike a single argument or one-time conflict, harassment involves a pattern of unwanted behavior that continues even after someone asks it to stop.

At school, harassment might look like a student who keeps making fun of another kid's appearance day after day, or someone who won't stop following another person around at recess despite being told to leave them alone. Harassment can involve teasing, threats, spreading rumors, or constantly interrupting someone who's trying to work or play.

The word can apply to many situations. A neighbor who repeatedly plays loud music late at night despite complaints might be harassing others. Online harassment happens when someone keeps sending mean messages or tagging someone in hurtful posts. Workplace harassment occurs when an employee faces ongoing mistreatment from a coworker or boss.

What makes something harassment rather than just an annoyance is the repetition and the harm it causes. One person accidentally bumping into you isn't harassment. But someone who keeps bumping into you on purpose, even after you've asked them to stop, is harassing you. The behavior crosses a line from normal interaction into something that shows disrespect for another person's boundaries and dignity.