Spanish word

acoso

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈkoso/

Meaning

  • masculine nounharassment

Example

En el trabajo no se permite el acoso.

Harassment at work is not allowed.

Illustration for acoso (harassment)

More examples

Denunció el acoso sexual a la policía.

They reported the sexual harassment to the police.

Core concept

Repeated unwanted pursuit and pressure.

Common phrases

  • acoso laboral

    workplace harassment

  • acoso sexual

    sexual harassment

  • acoso escolar

    school bullying

Similar words

hostigamiento: Repeated actions or remarks that annoy or cause ongoing trouble.
intimidación: Threatening words or behavior that frighten or coerce someone.
abuso: Use of power or position to mistreat, exploit, or demean another.
acoso sexual: Unwanted sexual words, advances, or contact that cause discomfort.

Definition in Spanish

Acción repetida de perseguir, presionar o intimidar a alguien sin su consentimiento, causando malestar.

Word origin

From the verb acosar, which in medieval Romance meant to chase or press repeatedly and that developed into a noun for persistent pursuing or intimidation.

Usage tips

  • Spanish commonly pairs acoso with a modifier (acoso laboral, acoso sexual, acoso escolar) to indicate the setting, and speakers usually add the type for clarity.

Other meanings

  • bullyingnoun
  • stalkingnoun

Opposites

  • respetorespectnoun
  • consentimientoconsentnoun

Related words

  • acosarharassverb
  • acosadorharassernoun
  • acosamientostalkingnoun

Word lists with this word