Pronunciation: [hˈaɹɪd] (IPA) 
The word "harried" is spelled with two R's, but only one is pronounced. The IPA phonetic transcription for "harried" is /ˈhær.ied/. The first R is pronounced as /r/, but the second R is silent. This silent R is a common feature in English spelling, sometimes used to indicate the history or origin of a word, but not reflected in its pronunciation. So, when you pronounce "harried", remember to pronounce only one R!
The term "harried" is an adjective commonly used to describe a person or situation in a state of intense and relentless stress or pressure. This term originated from the Old English word "herian," meaning to plunder or attack, and it has evolved to encompass the overwhelming sense of being besieged by numerous demands or responsibilities.
When someone is described as harried, it signifies that they are constantly dealing with a multitude of urgent tasks or problems, often feeling rushed and overwhelmed by the circumstances. The individual may exhibit visible signs of strain, such as being short-tempered, forgetful, or easily agitated. They may find it challenging to prioritize or complete tasks effectively due to the constant demands on their time and energy.
Additionally, a harried situation refers to one that is characterized by a chaotic and frantic atmosphere, making it difficult to maintain organization or control. This could apply to various scenarios, such as a busy workplace or a bustling city street during rush hour.
Overall, "harried" refers to a state of persistent pressure and strain, both for individuals and situations. It encapsulates the feeling of being overwhelmed by high levels of demand, often leading to a sense of stress and chaos.
• See under harry.
• Also formerly written harow.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "harried" comes from the Middle English term "herien", which evolved from the Old English word "hergian". Both words derive from the Proto-Germanic word "hazjan", meaning "to harass" or "to plunder". The term originally referred to the act of attacking or raiding, but it gradually shifted to mean "exhausted" or "tormented" by the 14th century.
