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

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

Buzbee has previously vowed to name celebrities who he says were involved in the alleged sexual abuse.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump's instinct whenever a man is accused of sexual abuse is to rush to his defense.

From Salon

Veteran Australian broadcaster and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones has been arrested after an investigation into a series of sexual abuse allegations, local media have reported.

From BBC

Related Words

• exploitation
• impropriety
• intimidation
• victimization