Definition

Noun: - Unwelcome sexual behavior in a workplace or professional setting: This refers to any unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment or is made a condition of employment. It is a form of discrimination.

Usage

This term is used primarily in legal, professional, and social contexts to describe a serious violation of conduct. It is a non-count noun, so it is not typically used with "a" or in a plural form (e.g., "cases of sexual harassment").

Examples

• The company has a strict zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment.
• She filed a formal complaint alleging sexual harassment by her manager.
• The training seminar focused on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace.

Advanced Usage

• "To constitute sexual harassment": To meet the legal or formal criteria for being classified as sexual harassment.
  • The persistent inappropriate comments were found to constitute sexual harassment.
• "Hostile work environment sexual harassment": A legal category where the unwelcome conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create an abusive working environment.
• "Quid pro quo sexual harassment": A legal category where employment decisions (like promotions or job security) are made contingent on the victim's submission to or rejection of sexual advances.

Variants and Related Words

• Harass (verb): To subject someone to aggressive pressure or intimidation.
  • The law protects employees from being harassed.
• Harasser (noun): A person who subjects someone to harassment.
• Sexually harassing (adjective): Describing behavior that constitutes sexual harassment.
  • The employee reported sexually harassing behavior.

Synonyms

• Sexual misconduct: Improper sexual behavior, often in a professional context. (Note: This can be a broader term.)
• Unwelcome sexual advances: A more descriptive phrase for one form of sexual harassment.

Related Phrases

• "To experience sexual harassment": To be subjected to it.
  • Many individuals are reluctant to report when they experience sexual harassment.
• "To report sexual harassment": To formally make a complaint about it.
• "To be a victim of sexual harassment": To be the person who is harassed.

Noun

1. unwelcome sexual behavior by a supervisor toward an employee