“Badger” can mean a type of animal, but as a verb, it means to keep asking, reminding, or bothering someone until they do something. For example, if you badger someone, you may be pestering them in a repeated way.
People use “badger” in daily life when talking about someone who won’t stop asking for something, like a child badgering a parent for candy or a coworker badgering someone for an answer. It often has a slightly annoying or pushy feeling.
Meaning & Usage
“Badger” is most often used to describe repeated, unwanted pressure. It usually means someone is being persistent in a way that feels irritating.
Examples
She kept badgering me to join the trip.
Don’t badger him about it all day.
The kids badgered their dad for ice cream.
Is “badger” always negative?
Usually, yes. It often suggests someone is being too pushy or annoying, even if they are asking for something reasonable.
Can “badger” be used in formal English?
Yes, but it is more common in everyday speech and writing than in very formal situations.
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