The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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pester

verb

/ˈpɛs tər/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of pester

To annoy or bother someone persistently, typically through repeated requests, demands, or actions.
"The telemarketers pester me daily with unwanted calls."

Detailed meaning of pester

When someone pesters another person, they engage in a behavior that disrupts their peace or causes inconvenience. This can include continuously asking for something, nagging, or pestering someone for attention, favors, or information. The intention behind pestering may vary; it can be done innocently by a child seeking attention or done with malicious intent to manipulate or irritate someone. Pester can also involve persistent unwanted contact or actions that intrude upon someone's personal space or boundaries. Overall, the verb 'pester' implies a continuous and bothersome behavior that can wear down or irritate the person being pestered.

Example sentences containing pester

1. The kids pester their mom for ice cream every time they pass by the shop.
2. I had to pester my friend for weeks before he finally returned the book he borrowed.
3. Don’t pester the cat, or it might scratch you!
4. The little boy loves to pester his sister by hiding her toys.
5. He had to pester the landlord repeatedly to get the leak in his apartment fixed.
6. The fans pester the celebrity for autographs wherever he goes.

History and etymology of pester

The verb 'pester' has its etymological origins in the Middle French word 'empestrer,' which means 'to hobble' or 'to entangle.' This Middle French term, in turn, has its roots in the Latin word 'impedire,' composed of 'in,' meaning 'in' or 'into,' and 'pes,' meaning 'foot.' 'Impedire' originally referred to the act of entangling or obstructing someone's feet, thus hindering their progress. Over time, the word 'pester' evolved in English to convey the idea of annoying or bothering someone persistently, much like being hindered or entangled by repetitive requests, demands, or actions. The etymology of 'pester' reflects the notion of persistent interference or annoyance, which characterizes the behavior it describes.

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Further usage examples of pester

1. The seagulls would pester the beachgoers, trying to snatch their food.
2. She keeps a list of errands on the fridge so her husband doesn't pester her about what needs to be done.
3. My dog will pester me nonstop if I don’t take him for his daily walk.
4. The students pester the teacher with questions whenever there is a test coming up.
5. As an intern, I didn’t want to pester my boss, but I needed guidance on the project.
6. My little brother loves to pester me for candy every day.
7. Please don't pester me about that report; I'm working on it.
8. The telemarketer continued to pester me with sales calls.
9. Stop trying to pester your teacher for extra credit.
10. The mosquitoes seemed determined to pester us all night.
11. She would pester her parents until they bought her a puppy.
12. The persistent salesperson continued to pester me at the mall.
13. Kids often pester their parents for the latest gadgets.
14. He knew how to pester his way into getting what he wanted.
15. My neighbor's barking dog can really pester me at night.
16. Don't pester your coworkers for help every five minutes.
17. The paparazzi would pester celebrities for photos.
18. He had the habit of trying to pester his way into meetings.
19. The children would pester their parents for a trip to Disneyland.
20. My inbox is constantly pestered with spam emails.
21. She would pester her friends to join her in volunteering.
22. It's essential not to pester customers with excessive follow-ups.
23. The persistent student would pester the professor for extra help.
24. The annoying fly continued to pester me during my meal.
25. Stop trying to pester me into revealing my secret recipe.