Here's a breakdown:
* Hound: A dog known for its hunting abilities, specifically its relentless pursuit of prey.
* To hound: This metaphor uses the image of a dog relentlessly chasing its prey to describe how someone is being persistently bothered or pressured.
Examples:
* The paparazzi hounded the celebrity for an interview.
* The debt collectors hounded him with phone calls every day.
* She was hounded by rumors and gossip after the scandal.
Key takeaways:
* It implies a negative and often aggressive pursuit.
* The person being hounded feels pressured and stressed.
* It can be used in various situations, from personal relationships to professional matters.