nonconsensual

American  

[non-kuhn-sen-shoo-uhl] / ˌnɒn kənˈsɛn ʃu əl /

adjective

1. not agreed to by one or more of the parties involved.

   The crime of battery is defined in the state penal code as any unwanted and nonconsensual physical contact.

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Other Word Forms

• nonconsensually
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of nonconsensual

First recorded in 1840–45; non- ( def. ) + consensual ( def. )

Example Sentences

Meta couldn’t comment on the call for a probe, but said it takes an extremely strong stance against nonconsensual intimate imagery, which it removes when detected.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

"We will carefully assess these changes to make sure they effectively protect citizens in the EU," European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said in a statement, which followed sharp criticism over the nonconsensual undressed images.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

In May 2025, President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the distribution of nonconsensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes and so-called “revenge porn.”

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2026

Members of Congress have competing proposals that would expand federal criminal and civil penalties for the nonconsensual distribution of AI-generated intimate imagery.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2024

You will spend hours on the phone with your health insurance company, with doctors’ offices, and with pharmacies, and sometimes all three at once, after you’ve perfected the art of the nonconsensual conference call.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2024