sexual abuse

American  

[sek-shoo-uhl uh-byoos] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl əˈbyus /

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.

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sexual abuse Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of sexual abuse

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

Example Sentences

Pope Leo XIV will give an unprecedented address on Monday to the Spanish parliament and is set to meet with victims of sexual abuse by clergy.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Federal juries in both cases found in favor of Carroll, awarding her $83 million in the defamation case and $5 million in the sexual abuse one.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

A serving Metropolitan Police Officer and four former officers are being investigated for potential misconduct over the handling of reports of sexual abuse made against Mohamed Al Fayed.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

It was a post-#MeToo law, the Adult Survivors Act, that allowed the journalist and advice columnist E. Jean Carroll to bring her civil sexual abuse case against Trump.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Minors should be protected against all sexual abuse.

From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Forel, Auguste

Related Words

• exploitation
• impropriety
• intimidation
• victimization