Definition

1. Verb:
   • To disturb: To interrupt the peace, quiet, normal functioning, or order of someone or something.
   • To harass: To annoy or trouble someone persistently, often in a way that is disruptive or obstructive.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đám trẻ con ồn ào phá quấy giấc ngủ trưa của bố mẹ. (The noisy children disturbed their parents' afternoon nap.)
  • Máy tính liên tục bị phần mềm độc phá quấy. (The computer was constantly harassed by malware.)
  • Cảnh sát đuổi những kẻ định phá quấy buổi mít tinh. (The police dispersed those who intended to disrupt the rally.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a deliberate, mischievous, or malicious intent behind the disturbing or harassing action. It is stronger than simply "làm ồn" (to make noise) and carries a connotation of being a nuisance.
• It can be used for both animate subjects (people, animals) and inanimate forces (viruses, bad weather) that cause persistent trouble.

Variants and Related Words

• Phá (v): A broader verb meaning to break, destroy, or ruin. "Phá quấy" combines this with a sense of persistent annoyance.
• Quấy rối (v): A very close synonym, often translated as "to harass" or "to molest," and can have a stronger, sometimes legally actionable connotation.
• Làm phiền (v): To bother or trouble someone, generally milder and less deliberately disruptive than "phá quấy."

Synonyms

• Disturb: To interrupt the normal arrangement or functioning of.
• Harass: To subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation.
• Disrupt: To interrupt an event, activity, or process by causing a disturbance.
• Pester: To trouble or annoy someone with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions.

Related Idioms

• Phá quấy hòa bình / trật tự: To disturb the peace/public order.
  • Hành vi gây ồn ào lúc nửa đêm bị coi là phá quấy trật tự công cộng. (Making noise at midnight is considered disturbing public order.)

verb

1. to disturb, to harass