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Bugging - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Bugging means persistently annoying or bothering someone, often by repeatedly asking questions or making demands. It can also refer to secretly listening to conversations using hidden devices.

bugging

/ˈbʌɡɪŋ/ /ˈbʌɡɪŋ/

Definition:

Annoying or persistently bothering someone, often through repeated actions or surveillance.

Synonyms:

annoying, pestering, harassing, irritating

Part of Speech:

noun, verb (gerund/present participle)

Antonyms:

comforting, soothing

Common Collocations:

bugging devices, stop bugging me, bugging out, bugging someone’s phone

Derivatives:

bugged, bugs, bugger

Usage Tips:

Use "bugging" to describe persistent annoyance or covert surveillance; avoid overuse in formal contexts.

Common Phrases:

stop bugging me, what’s bugging you?, bugging out

Etymology:

Derived from "bug," originally meaning an insect, later slang for annoyance or electronic eavesdropping devices.

Examples:

  • 1. She keeps bugging me about homework deadlines.
  • 2. The spy planted a bugging device in the room.
  • 3. Stop bugging your sister while she’s studying!
  • 4. What’s been bugging you all day?

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