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Synonyms

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.

Etymology

Origin of sexual assault

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sexual assault survivors and their families turn to the nonprofit King County Sexual Assault Resource Center for comprehensive, confidential support and services in both English and Spanish.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2024

Sexual assault forensic exams are completed in hospitals and sent to local law enforcement departments, which are tasked with linking DNA to perpetrators.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2022

Sexual assault survivors have long been stigmatized in China, though since the #MeToo movement that swept the globe in 2017, more have been stepping forward with their stories.

From Washington Post • Aug. 9, 2021

"Sexual assault is real. Victims should be heard, offenders prosecuted," Mulugheta tweeted.

From Fox News • Mar. 19, 2021

Sexual assault victims should never be expected to endure the humiliating questioning that this woman was subjected to, outrageous attempts to degrade her that Baker highlighted during Friday’s press conference.

From Washington Times • Jun. 12, 2018

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.