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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of sexual harassment

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sexual harassment

Lively initially sued Baldoni, her co-star and director of the 2024 film It Ends With Us for sexual harassment and retaliation, before he countersued for defamation.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

The judge tossed Lively’s claims of sexual harassment, defamation and conspiracy, but allowed some claims, including retaliation and breach of contract, to proceed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

In April, Liman also dismissed 10 of the 13 claims in Lively’s lawsuit, including her sexual harassment and defamation claims, while allowing retaliation-related claims to proceed.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

In 1991, NPR’s Nina Totenberg broke the story of Anita Hill’s allegations of sexual harassment against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, drawing the ire of the right.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2026

"I have committed neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment," he insisted.

From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026

Related Words

• exploitation
• impropriety
• intimidation
• victimization