DictionaryharrowDistress deeply
verb

harrow

HAIR-oh/hˈæroʊ/

To distress or torment someone deeply.

The damage to the home harrows the woman clutching a family photograph.

A distressed adult stands beside a small charred doorway fragment, clutching a soot-stained family photograph against her chest and covering her mouth, eyes wet and shoulders collapsed.
Etymology

Tearing soil with a harrow became a metaphor for tearing at someone's feelings.

More examples

  • The survivor's account continues to harrow him.
  • Memories of the accident harrow the family.

Forms

harrow · harrows

Similar words

torment
Emphasizes continuing severe suffering.
distress
A broader term that may imply less intensity.