# molest

/məˈɫɛst/ (US) · /məlˈɛst/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/molest
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

to touch someone in a sexual way without their permission. This word is very serious and usually describes a crime.

For teachers: to touch or handle another person in a sexual or indecent manner without their consent. Often used in legal contexts to describe a specific category of sexual assault.

## Examples

- The police are investigating the man for molesting a child.
- The suspect was arrested after several victims came forward to report that he had molest them during the festival.
- The legal team argued that the evidence was insufficient to prove the defendant had intended to molest the victim, focusing instead on the lack of prior contact between the two parties.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.