Definition

1. Verb:
   • To harass or pester someone persistently in a hostile or aggressive way: This meaning refers to bothering or annoying someone repeatedly and unpleasantly, often causing distress.
   • To subject someone to unwanted or improper sexual advances or activity: This is the primary legal and contemporary meaning, referring to sexual abuse or assault, especially against a child.

Usage

• The verb "molest" is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (e.g., to molest ).
• It is a formal and serious word, most commonly associated with criminal sexual acts, particularly against minors. Its use to mean "annoy" is now less common and can be considered archaic or euphemistic.
• Due to its gravity, it is used carefully in legal, journalistic, and clinical contexts.

Examples

• Verb (Sexual Abuse):
  • The man was arrested for attempting to molest a child.
  • Laws exist to protect citizens from being molested.
• Verb (Harass/Annoy - less common):
  • The paparazzi would constantly molest the celebrity for a photograph. (This usage is now rare and potentially confusing.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be molested": This passive form is frequently used to describe the victim's experience.
  • She testified that she had been molested as a child.
• The related noun "molester" specifically refers to a person who commits a sexual molestation.
  • The community was warned about a convicted child molester living in the area.

Variants and Related Words

• Molestation (n): The act or instance of molesting, especially sexual abuse.
  • He was charged with sexual molestation.
• Molester (n): A person who molests, especially a sexual offender.

Synonyms

• Abuse: To treat with cruelty or violence, especially sexually.
• Assault: To make a physical or sexual attack on.
• Harass: To subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation. (Closer to the older "annoy" meaning).
• Pester: To trouble or annoy someone with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions. (Milder, for the "annoy" meaning).

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

Verb

1. annoy continually or chronically
   • He is known to harry his staff when he is overworked
   • This man harasses his female co-workers
2. harass or assault sexually; make indecent advances to