sexual harassment

[ sek-shoo-uhl huh-ras-muhnt, har-uhs-muhnt ]

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.

sexual harassment

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexual harassment¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

“There’s just not a lot of recourse for the victims of sexual harassment within those worlds,” said Ben Beliles, an attorney for Lee in her case.

From Washington Post

TAMPA — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday that attorney Beth Wilkinson is “nearing the completion” of her investigation into the Washington Football Team over allegations of sexual harassment and mistreatment of female employees.

From Washington Post

Demands for stronger policies against sexual harassment and more support for women and people of color have already led to changes at the tech giants.

From Washington Post

She started her career at dating app Tinder but sued the company over sexual harassment and discrimination claims.

From Fortune

She filed suit against Tinder for sexual harassment and discrimination, which was at least somewhat inspirational in her quest to build a dating app that put women in the driver’s seat.

From TechCrunch

The owner of www.blow-me.org is facing a lawsuit for sexual harassment.

From The Daily Beast

Lisa Jackson, the manager, was white, but she charged that the environment of sexual harassment extended to racial discrimination.

From The Daily Beast

The wage structure of waiting tables is a sexual-harassment machine.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, there is the past sexual harassment lawsuit and the general atmosphere of sexual objectification.

From The Daily Beast

Sexual harassment is a broad term that can cover everything from suggestive looks, to orders to dress sexier for work, to rape.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• exploitation
• impropriety
• intimidation
• victimization