sexual abuse

[ sek-shoo-uhluh-byoos ]

/ ˈsɛk ʃu əl əˈbyus /

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See synonyms for sexual abuse on Thesaurus.com

noun

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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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Also called sex a·buse [seksuh-byoos] /ˈsɛks əˈbyus/ .

Origin of sexual abuse

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

Words nearby sexual abuse

sextuplet, sextuplex, sextuplicate, sex-typed, sexual, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual dimorphism, sexual generation, sexual harassment, sexual intercourse

How to use sexual abuse in a sentence

The CDA was passed not in the name of censorship but in the name of protecting children from stumbling across sexual material.
How the PC Police Threaten Free Speech|Nick Gillespie|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But he, like many people using dating apps whatever their sexual identity, remains stoutly positive.
Grindr’s Trans Dating Problem|David Levesley|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Yeah, the “Giant man-puppy” that is Gronkowski won't hold a sexual candle to the blue-eyed dreamboat.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Early on, the sexual protagonist complains that her Molson-drinking husband is pretty much an incompetent Neanderthal.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST

These were cops who had worked the protests and suffered the accompanying verbal taunts and abuse.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Quaint old Burton in his "Anatomy of Melancholy," recognizes the virtues of the plant while he anathematizes its abuse.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
The sexual cycle can take place only within the body of one genus of mosquito, anopheles.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
He shan't marry me without your consent, so don't be angry and abuse us all; for which you will be sorry an hour hence.
The World Before Them|Susanna Moodie
Notwithstanding, they bear with much patience a great deal of abuse from unkind masters.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
This abuse, as the years went on, instead of diminishing grew in strength if not in grace.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow

Cultural definitions for sexual abuse

sexual abuse

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

sexual abuse

Origin of sexual abuse

Words nearby sexual abuse

Words related to sexual abuse

How to use sexual abuse in a sentence

Cultural definitions for sexual abuse