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

But the agreement preserved Lively’s ability to seek attorneys fees and damages under California Civil Code Section 47.1, a relatively new statute designed to shield sexual harassment and assault accusers from retaliatory defamation claims.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2026

District Judge Lewis Liman, is related specifically to costs associated with Baldoni’s defamation suit and is based on a California statute enacted to protect people who speak out against sexual harassment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

Experts said the case marks an unprecedented shift in Thailand -- which never had a #MeToo movement -- with Thais more openly discussing sexual harassment and abuse.

From Barron's ● May 25, 2026

Urge legislators to take action to limit mandatory arbitration, as when Congress enacted a law in 2022 prohibiting sexual harassment and sexual assault claims from being forced into arbitration.

From Slate ● Apr. 27, 2026

TfL's Act Like a Friend campaign encouraged passengers to safely intervene if they witnessed sexual harassment or a hate crime on the transport network.

From BBC ● Feb. 18, 2026

Related Words

• exploitation
• impropriety
• intimidation
• victimization