sexual abuse

American  

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

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

See Examples For:

sexual abuse

“This represents an important victory for the principle that women who speak out about sexual abuse should not be silenced by NDAs that contravene California law,” Barnett attorney Rosengart said in the notice.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

Campaigners have repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting the identities of people involved in investigations into sexual abuse and trafficking because of the potential impact on victims' wellbeing and privacy.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

“As Ms. Griffin herself concedes, she has no proof of the sexual abuse she recalled for the first time decades later while using psychedelics,” New York Times spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades Ha said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

A prominent actress and survivor of child sexual abuse has criticised disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards for competing at this year's National Eisteddfod, claiming that, had he won, it would have been "catastrophic".

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

Minors should be protected against all sexual abuse.

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

Related Words

• exploitation
• impropriety
• intimidation
• victimization