sexual assault

American  

[sek-shoo-uhl uh-sawlt] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl əˈsɔlt /

noun

1. nonconsensual touching of one person for the sexual gratification of another, including rape, fondling, molestation, or other unwanted contact with the genitals, anus, buttocks, groin, or breasts of either party.

   The victim was intoxicated and incapable of giving consent, so any sex act will be treated as sexual assault.

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Etymology

Origin of sexual assault

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Gomez was friends with former California Rep. Eric Swalwell, who earlier this year resigned from Congress and suspended his California gubernatorial campaign after multiple women accused him of sexual assault.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

A company issuing self-swab DNA testing kits to sexual assault victims has had online posts banned for containing misleading information.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

A number of states, including California, now bar employers from using nondisclosure agreements to silence workers speaking out about workplace misconduct, including sexual assault, harassment and labor and safety violations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

The proposed sexual assault measure would require ride-share companies to let riders know if the person picking them up has a history of sexual misconduct and conduct yearly fingerprint and background checks for drivers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The measure would replace the current system of adjudicating sexual assault by taking the cases outside a victim’s chain of command.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• molestation
• rape
• violation