harry

verb har·ry \ˈher-ē, ˈha-rē\

har·riedhar·ry·ing

Definition of HARRY

transitive verb

: to make a pillaging or destructive raid on : assault

: to force to move along by harassing <harrying the terrified horses down out of the mountains — R. A. Sokolov>

: to torment by or as if by constant attack

See harry defined for kids

Origin of HARRY

Middle English harien, from Old English hergian; akin to Old High German heriōn to lay waste, heri army, Greek koiranos ruler

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of HARRY

worry, annoy, harass, harry, plague, pester, tease mean to disturb or irritate by persistent acts. worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation <pursued a policy of worrying the enemy>. annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks <you're doing that just to annoy me>. harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power <harassed on all sides by creditors>. harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment <the strikers had been harried by thugs>. plague implies a painful and persistent affliction <plagued all her life by poverty>. pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks <constantly pestered with trivial complaints>. tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath <children teased the dog>.