verb
molest
muh-LEST/məˈlest/
To sexually assault or abuse someone.
The counselor helps people who have been molested find support.
Etymology
Latin molestare meant to disturb or trouble someone. English molest originally covered troubling and harassing generally; the selected sense narrows this to sexual assault or abuse.
In context
was this sexual abuse and predation allowed and sanctioned by the government how do you feel knowing that when you pay for animal products you are funding animal abusers to molest animals
More examples
- No one has the right to molest another person.
- She reported that a relative had molested her.
- He was convicted of molesting several children.
Forms
molest · molests · molested · molesting
molestation noun — The act of sexually abusing someone.
molester noun — A person who sexually abuses someone.
Similar words
- abuse
- Covers sexual mistreatment as well as physical or emotional harm.
- sexually assault
- Explicitly identifies sexual violence, without the frequent association with children.