molestation
Americannoun
-
touching a nonconsenting person, especially a child, in a sexual manner.
He was arrested on charges of lewd and lascivious molestation and child abuse.
-
an act or instance of interference with or violence against someone.
Under the terms of the citadel’s surrender, the Persians were allowed to pass without molestation through the midst of the Roman army.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of molestation
First recorded in 1600–10; molest ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )
Vocabulary lists containing molestation
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.
A few months later, with another priest and an attorney, Doyle produced a report called “The Problem of Sexual Molestation by Roman Catholic Clergy.”
From The New Yorker • Apr. 8, 2019
Brethren, our whole Country rejoiced when you invited us into your Country, and from thence to go where Cayenguirago dwells; be not afraid to come to our Country, you shall meet with no Molestation.
From The History of the Five Indian Nations of Canada Part I, Part II by Colden, Cadwallader
Sure, Brother Lockit, there was a little unfair Proceeding in Ned’s Case: for he told me in the Condemn’d Hold, that for Value receiv’d, you had promis’d him a Session or two longer without Molestation.
From The Beggar's Opera to which is prefixed the Musick to each Song by Fraser, Claud Lovat
Imprimis, you are to be admitted into my House in order to move your Suit to Miranda, for the space of Ten Minutes, without Lett or Molestation, provided I remain in the same Room.
From The Busie Body by Byrd, Jess
Sure, Brother Lockit, there was a little unfair Proceeding in Ned's Case: for he told me in the Condemn'd Hold, that for Value receiv'd, you had promis'd him a Session or two longer without Molestation.
From The Beggar's Opera by Gay, John
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.
