harassment
[C/U] Both
This term carries a heavy legal and emotional weight, signaling a pattern of behavior rather than a single isolated incident. It suggests a power imbalance where the victim feels trapped, intimidated, or degraded over a period of time. While bullying is often associated with childhood or social dynamics, harassment is typically used in professional, legal, or civic contexts. It implies a violation of rights or a breach of conduct codes, often leading to official investigations or lawsuits.
Uncountable when referring to the general concept of persecution or the act of bothering someone. Countable when referring to specific legal cases or documented instances of the behavior.