Definition
Badger means to harass, pester or annoy someone persistently or repeatedly. It can also refer to a nocturnal, burrowing mammal of the weasel family, typically having a gray and black coat.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb (or Noun)
Synonyms
Annoy, bother, harass, pester, trouble, hound, nag, tease, provoke
Antonyms
Comfort, soothe, please, appease, flatter
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | badgers, badgerers, badger, badgerer |
| Verb | badgered, badgers, badgering, badger |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
-
My little brother would always badger me with questions while I was trying to work.
-
The telemarketer kept calling to badger me into buying their product.
-
The detective continued to badger the suspect until they finally confessed.
-
The persistent salesman continued to badger me with phone calls and emails.
Usage
The verb badger refers to persistently annoying or harassing someone, often with the intention of getting them to do something they don’t want to do. It is a common word used to describe someone who is pestering another person or causing them irritation. Badgering can come in many different forms, such as constant questioning, repetitive phone calls, or persistent nagging.
The origin of the word “badger” comes from the Middle English word “bageard”, which means “hunting dog”. This is because badgers were often hunted with dogs, and the dogs would chase them into their burrows. The verb badger became popular in the 16th century and was used to describe the persistent nature of a dog hunting a badger.
The word badger can also be used as a noun, which refers to the nocturnal, burrowing mammal of the weasel family, typically having a gray and black coat. Badgers are known for their digging abilities and have a distinctive white stripe on their forehead. They are often featured in folklore and have been associated with cunning and perseverance.
Some synonyms of badger include “annoy”, “pester”, “hound”, and “tease”. These all refer to the act of causing someone irritation or distress through persistent behavior. Antonyms of badger include “comfort”, “soothe”, and “please”, which describe a more calming or positive interaction.
Overall, badger is a versatile word that can be used to describe either a persistent, irritating person or a nocturnal mammal. It is important to use this word thoughtfully and not to badger anyone in a negative way.