sexual assault

American  

[sek-shoo-uhl uh-sawlt] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl əˈsɔlt /

noun

1. nonconsensual touching of one person for the sexual gratification of another, including rape, fondling, molestation, or other unwanted contact with the genitals, anus, buttocks, groin, or breasts of either party.

   The victim was intoxicated and incapable of giving consent, so any sex act will be treated as sexual assault.

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Etymology

Origin of sexual assault

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

They were really worried about security and the possibility of sexual assault by “strangers and, well, sometimes some of the tech bros,” she explained.

From Washington Post

Her childhood was marred by sexual assault and poverty.

From Reuters

Claudia, now 30, works at a nonprofit as an advocate for domestic violence and sexual assault victims.

From Seattle Times

It was updated on March 30, 2023 to remove the name of the government worker making accusations of sexual assault, per Associated Press policy.

From Seattle Times

“For years, I didn’t even recognize this as an attempted assault and attempted sexual assault, not until I had my own children. Yes, I kept thinking I did something wrong,” Holscher said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• molestation
• rape
• violation