harassing

Harassing is the act of engaging in behavior that harasses someone, typically involving repeated, unwanted, and intrusive actions that cause distress, fear, or a sense of coercion. As a present participle, harassing often describes ongoing conduct rather than a single event. The term is used across legal, social, and policy contexts to distinguish persistent, targeted behavior from isolated disagreements or expressive acts.

Forms of harassment commonly cited include verbal abuse, intimidation, stalking, and unwelcome physical contact; sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual advances or comments that create a hostile environment. Harassment can occur in person or through digital channels such as phone calls, messaging, email, and social media, giving rise to terms like cyberharassment or online harassment. It may also intersect with bullying, discrimination, or hate-based conduct when it targets someone’s protected characteristics.

Legal and organizational responses to harassing behavior vary by jurisdiction and setting. Many laws prohibit repeated or persistent conduct intended to alarm, threaten, or harass another person, with potential civil or criminal penalties. Workplaces, schools, and online platforms often implement anti-harassment policies that outline prohibited behaviors, reporting procedures, and remedies such as discipline, accommodation, or removal from environments. Prevention efforts emphasize clear boundaries, bystander intervention training, documentation of incidents, and accessible reporting channels.

Responses to alleged harassment typically balance protecting the safety and rights of the target with due process for the accused. Support for victims may include counseling, legal advice, and assistance in securing restraining orders or improved safety measures.