Harrowing meaning : To drag a harrow over; to break up with a harrow. To traumatize or disturb; to frighten or torment. To break or tear, as if with a harrow; to wound; to lacerate; to torment or distress; to vex. The process of breaking up earth with a harrow. Suffering, torment. Christ's triumphal descent into Hell. Causing pain or distress.