I. noun
also has·sel ˈhasəl, ˈhaas-, ˈhais-, ˈhȧs-
( -s )
Etymology: perhaps blend of haggle (II) and tussle (II)
1.
a. : a heated argument : wrangle
embroiling myself in a long, exasperating hassle with masons — S.J.Perelman
b. : a violent skirmish : fight
small units and small patrols, but for those in each hassle … it is still a tense, blood-curdling exchange of bullets — New York Times
2. : a protracted debate : controversy
an extremely esoteric hassle over … ideas and concepts — Philip Hamburger
3.
a. : a state of confusion or commotion : turmoil
all hassle and hurly-burly — Ellery Queen
b. : a strenuous effort : struggle
it's been a real hassle digging up new talent — Benny Goodman
II. intransitive verb
( hassled ; hassled ; hassling -s(ə)liŋ ; hassles )
: argue , fight , dispute
hassled with the umpires a time or two too many — Leo Durocher
a lot of hassling back and forth over the telephone — Sports Illustrated
III. verb
transitive verb
: to annoy persistently or acutely : harass