sexual harassment

American  

[sek-shoo-uhl huh-ras-muhnt, har-uhs-muhnt] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl həˈræs mənt, ˈhær əs mənt /

noun

1. unwelcome sexual advances, either verbal or physical, especially by someone with power or authority.

   Employees complained about a corporate culture that turned a blind eye to discrimination, microaggressions, and sexual harassment.

---

sexual harassment British  

noun

1. the persistent unwelcome directing of sexual remarks and looks, and unnecessary physical contact at a person, usually a woman, esp in the workplace

---

Etymology

Origin of sexual harassment

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Experts said the case marks an unprecedented shift in Thailand -- which never had a #MeToo movement -- with Thais more openly discussing sexual harassment and abuse.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

Department of Education characterizes the investigation as under Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault and violence in any education program or activity receiving federal funding.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Urge legislators to take action to limit mandatory arbitration, as when Congress enacted a law in 2022 prohibiting sexual harassment and sexual assault claims from being forced into arbitration.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

TfL's Act Like a Friend campaign encouraged passengers to safely intervene if they witnessed sexual harassment or a hate crime on the transport network.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

She was part of the team that investigated sexual harassment and assault by Uber and Lyft drivers, and spearheaded the network's coverage of Elizabeth Holmes' criminal fraud trial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Related Words

• exploitation
• impropriety
• intimidation
• victimization