Which term best describes someone who causes distress to others?

The term that best describes someone who causes distress to others is "harrow." To harrow someone means to disturb or distress them greatly, often emotionally or mentally. This could involve instilling fear, anxiety, or other forms of emotional turmoil.

Conversely, the other terms do not convey this meaning. "Sway" refers to influencing someone’s opinion or decision, which doesn't inherently involve causing distress. "Entreat" means to ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something, suggesting a plea rather than infliction of distress. "Desist" means to cease or stop doing something, which is unrelated to causing distress to others. In this context, "harrow" directly aligns with the notion of causing emotional or psychological distress.