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worry

1. To harass by pursuit and barking; to attack repeatedly; also, to tear or mangle with the teeth. A hellhound that doth hunt us all to death; That dog that had his teeth before his eyes, To worry lambs and lap their gentle blood. (Shak)

2. To harass or beset with importunity, or with care an anxiety; to vex; to annoy; to torment; to tease; to fret; to trouble; to plague. A church worried with reformation. Let them rail, And worry one another at their pleasure. (Rowe) Worry him out till he gives consent. (swift)

3. To harass with labour; to fatigue.

Origin: OE. Worowen, wirien, to strangle, AS. Wyrgan in awyrgan; akin to D. Worgen, wurgen, to strangle, OHG. Wurgen, G. Wurgen, Lith. Verszti, and perhaps to E. Wring.