sexual abuse

[ sek-shoo-uhl uh-byoos ]

noun

1. nonconsensual touching of a person for one’s own sexual gratification or for the sexual gratification of someone else, especially when the nonconsenting party is a child:

   When children experience sexual abuse, it is rarely a stranger perpetrating the crime, but more commonly an authority figure or other adult they know.

sexual abuse

1. Unwanted sexual activity forced on a person by another through coercion or threats.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexual abuse¹

First recorded in 1875–80 in the sense “masturbation”

Example Sentences

“We finally have a chance to hold accountable those who allowed and enabled the open, rampant sexual abuse of these young boys,” Greg Gutzler, the lawyer leading the case, said in a statement.

From Salon

The defense team argued that the boys were acting in self-defense, following years of sexual abuse by their father Jose Menendez.

From Los Angeles Times

The ex-staffer poked fun at the sheer volume of anti-trans tweets Mace posted over the potential use of a restroom by one individual congresswoman while simultaneously ignoring a former colleague’s child sexual abuse investigation.

From Salon

Covering for a man accused of sexual abuse of a minor is not just normal for the Christian right, but so rote that it can be considered a tradition of the faith.

From Salon

There are credible figures that show at least one in four women in this country has been the victim of some form of sexual abuse or assault.

From Salon

Related Words

• exploitation
• impropriety
• intimidation
• victimization