sexual abuse

[sek-shoo-uhl uh-byoos]

noun

1. nonconsensual touching of a person for one’s own sexual gratification or for the sexual gratification of someone else, especially when the nonconsenting party is a child.

   When children experience sexual abuse, it is rarely a stranger perpetrating the crime, but more commonly an authority figure or other adult they know.

sexual abuse

1. Unwanted sexual activity forced on a person by another through coercion or threats.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexual abuse¹

First recorded in 1875–80 in the sense “masturbation”

Related Words

• exploitation 
• impropriety 
• intimidation 
• victimization