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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

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harrow

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How to pronounce harrow (audio)

Dictionary definition of harrow

To deeply trouble, unsettle, or disturb an individual's emotions, psyche, or well-being.
"The loss of a loved one can harrow the soul and leave lasting pain."

Detailed meaning of harrow

When one is harrowed, they experience intense anguish, sorrow, or mental anguish as a result of a traumatic or distressing event, situation, or realization. This emotional distress can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, grief, fear, or despair. To harrow someone is to inflict a profound and lasting impact on their emotional state, often leaving them feeling deeply disturbed, shaken, or troubled. The verb 'harrow' conveys a sense of profound distress or torment, often associated with experiences that challenge one's sense of safety, security, or deeply held beliefs.

Example sentences containing harrow

1. The shocking news of his friend's sudden demise continued to harrow him for days.
2. The constant war news seemed to harrow her spirit, leaving her emotionally drained.
3. She could see the pain in his eyes, the reality of the situation had begun to harrow his soul.
4. The memories of the accident continued to harrow her, even years after the event.
5. His cruel words were intended to harrow her already fragile state of mind.
6. The sight of his once vibrant neighborhood in ruins was enough to harrow anyone's heart.

History and etymology of harrow

The verb 'harrow,' in the context of deeply troubling or disturbing someone's emotions or well-being, has an interesting etymology rooted in Old English. It derives from the Old English word 'hergian,' which meant 'to harass' or 'to ravage.' This Old English term itself can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'harwijōną,' meaning 'to plunder' or 'to pillage.' Over time, the meaning of 'harrow' evolved to include the emotional and psychological distress we associate with it today, reflecting the idea of one's inner landscape being ravaged or disturbed, much like a field might be harrowed to prepare it for planting.

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Further usage examples of harrow

1. The heartbreaking stories of the refugees were enough to harrow the most hardened of hearts.
2. The loneliness and isolation of the pandemic continued to harrow her.
3. The grim reality of his illness began to harrow his family.
4. The fear of failure continued to harrow him as the deadline for the project approached.
5. The haunting sounds of the eerie forest continued to harrow the group of campers.
6. The terrifying nightmares that harrowed her every night were a result of the traumatic incident.
7. Her persistent health issues were beginning to harrow her usually buoyant spirit.
8. The constant pressure from his demanding job continued to harrow him.
9. The disturbing image from the horror film seemed to harrow him for the rest of the night.
10. The consequences of his reckless actions continued to harrow his conscience.
11. The rumors of layoffs started to harrow the employees at the office.
12. The sight of the abandoned, starving puppy was enough to harrow any animal lover.
13. Her heartbreaking account of the incident was harrowing for the entire audience.
14. The terrible conditions in the refugee camp continued to harrow the aid workers.

Burden and Stress, Problems and Conundrums, Sadness and Misery

afflict,agonize,distress,disturb,perturb,plague,torment,trouble,vex

rack,unsettle

distress, comfort, soothe, reassure

eb68db_84fcd18cab6b4a4fb0ba87ddede57bf1.mp3

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