sexual assault
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of sexual assault
First recorded in 1880–85
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
How are supporters and voters reacting to the sexual assault allegations that have brought an end to Graham Platner’s Senate campaign?
From Slate ● Jul. 9, 2026
Women often do not immediately report allegations of rape and sexual assault, she said, "because of the sense of shame that you have, that somehow it's your fault".
From BBC ● May 18, 2026
A number of states, including California, now bar employers from using nondisclosure agreements to silence workers speaking out about workplace misconduct, including sexual assault, harassment and labor and safety violations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 12, 2026
In Alameda County, a primary election is set for June 16 for the seat vacated by former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned last month amid sexual assault accusations.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
