hazing

- 5 dictionary results

haz⋅ing

[hey-zing]

–noun

subjection to harassment or ridicule.

Origin:
1815–25; haze ² + -ing ¹

1 [heyz]

noun, verb, hazed, haz⋅ing.

–noun

1.	an aggregation in the atmosphere of very fine, widely dispersed, solid or liquid particles, or both, giving the air an opalescent appearance that subdues colors.

2.	vagueness or obscurity, as of the mind or perception; confused or vague thoughts, feelings, etc.: The victims were still in a haze and couldn't describe the accident.

–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)

3.	to make or become hazy.

Origin:
1700–10; perh. n. use of ME *hase; OE hasu, var. of haswa ashen, dusky. See hazy, hare

Related forms:

hazeless, adjective

Synonyms:
2. See cloud.

2 [heyz]

–verb (used with object), hazed, haz⋅ing.

1.	to subject (freshmen, newcomers, etc.) to abusive or humiliating tricks and ridicule.

2.	Chiefly Nautical. to harass with unnecessary or disagreeable tasks.

Origin:
1670–80; < MF haser to irritate, annoy

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source

Link To hazing

haze¹ (hāz)

1. Atmospheric moisture, dust, smoke, and vapor that diminishes visibility.
2. A partially opaque covering: Let the polish dry to a haze before buffing it.
A vague or confused state of mind.

intr.v. hazed, haz·ing, haz·es
To become misty or hazy; blur.

[Probably back-formation from hazy.]

haze² (hāz)

tr.v. hazed, haz·ing, haz·es

To persecute or harass with meaningless, difficult, or humiliating tasks.
To initiate, as into a college fraternity, by exacting humiliating performances from or playing rough practical jokes upon.

[Perhaps from obsolete haze, to frighten, from obsolete French haser, to annoy, from Old French.]
haz'er n.

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