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”

Example Sentences

The father, Jean Paul Kruse, was later charged with rape and sexual abuse.

From The Daily Beast

Lena Dunham has been (crazily) accused of “sexual abuse” by right-wing troll sites for a passage in her memoir.

From The Daily Beast

Other risk factors include a history of sexual abuse and bulimia, both of which also affect more women than men.

From The Daily Beast

It's still a message of if you're going to come forward and accuse people of sexual abuse, you're still taking a risk.

From The Daily Beast

Still, Lambert says, he was surprised to hear about the allegations of sexual abuse.

From The Daily Beast

The exciting or efficient cause is sexual abuse, and more particularly onanism.

From Project Gutenberg

They received their information from sources and in a way that led to sexual abuse.

From Project Gutenberg

It is well known that sexual abuse is a very potent cause of throat diseases.

From Project Gutenberg

This year we will intensify our drive against these and other horrible crimes like sexual abuse and family violence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• exploitation
• impropriety
• intimidation
• victimization