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

In his time with the department, Nanos has led major investigations and also faced scrutiny, including over department spending and how he handled a sexual assault case brought by a deputy against another department employee.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

The governor signed nearly 800 bills last year, including legislation that caps the cost of insulin, streamlines California State University admissions and temporarily allows sexual assault claims that are past the statute of limitations.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2026

Under pressure from feminist activists, victim advocates and their own staff, many organizations adopted policies against identifying victims of sexual assault, especially without consent.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi says Mason Greenwood "paid dearly" after being accused of sexual assault, as the forward prepares to face English opposition for the first time since the allegations this week.

From Barron's • Nov. 24, 2025

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