sexual harassment

American  

[sek-shoo-uhl huh-ras-muhnt, har-uhs-muhnt] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl həˈræs mənt, ˈhær əs mənt /

noun

1. unwelcome sexual advances, either verbal or physical, especially by someone with power or authority.

   Employees complained about a corporate culture that turned a blind eye to discrimination, microaggressions, and sexual harassment.

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sexual harassment British  

noun

1. the persistent unwelcome directing of sexual remarks and looks, and unnecessary physical contact at a person, usually a woman, esp in the workplace

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Etymology

Origin of sexual harassment

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

“By the consistent dissemination of facts and evidence, we made sure that justice prevailed,” Freedman said, adding that his team has maintained from the beginning that there was no sexual harassment, retaliation or smear campaign.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Experts said the case marks an unprecedented shift in Thailand -- which never had a #MeToo movement -- with Thais more openly discussing sexual harassment and abuse.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

Urge legislators to take action to limit mandatory arbitration, as when Congress enacted a law in 2022 prohibiting sexual harassment and sexual assault claims from being forced into arbitration.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

Gilbert also told Stephanopoulos that before she married Busfield, she was aware he had been accused of sexual harassment twice by different women, once in 1994 and another time in 2012.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

The Rail Delivery Group, which represents train companies, says the industry takes sexual harassment and assault cases "very seriously".

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Related Words

• exploitation
• impropriety
• intimidation
• victimization