sexual assault

American  

[sek-shoo-uhl uh-sawlt] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl əˈsɔlt /

noun

• sexual assaults
  plural

1. nonconsensual touching of one person for the sexual gratification of another, including rape, fondling, molestation, or other unwanted contact with the genitals, anus, buttocks, groin, or breasts of either party.

   The victim was intoxicated and incapable of giving consent, so any sex act will be treated as sexual assault.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• sexual assaults
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of sexual assault

First recorded in 1880–85

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sexual assault

Strong’s post also addressed the timing of the monologue given the recent high-profile sexual assault case at Cornell University.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026

President Michael Kotlikoff said New York State Police will investigate campus sexual assault claims during an independent policy review.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

He announced other measures including the appointment of a dedicated staff member to support individuals reporting sexual misconduct, and inviting specialized New York State Police detectives to probe future sexual assault allegations.

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2026

Schorr and criminal defence attorneys, meanwhile, criticised the proposed changes to New York's sexual assault laws.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

The measure would replace the current system of adjudicating sexual assault by taking the cases outside a victim’s chain of command.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

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Related Words

• molestation
• rape
• violation

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