verb
molest
muh-LEHST
Molest (verb) means to sexually abuse or sexually harass someone, especially a child.
verb
1
To sexually abuse or sexually harass someone, especially a child.
"He was convicted of molesting a minor."
2
(dated) To annoy, bother, or interfere with.
"The old text warns travelers not to molest the local wildlife."
How to use molest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn modern English, this word almost always refers specifically to sexual abuse; the older, milder sense of "bother" or "interfere with" is now rare and can sound jarring.
When to use it
Avoid using it in the old "annoy/interfere" sense today — readers will assume the sexual meaning.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like molest.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- molests
- Past tense
- molested
Etymology
From Old French molester, from Latin molestus, "troublesome," itself from moles, "a burden."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of molest?
"molest" (verb) means to sexually abuse or sexually harass someone, especially a child.
What is another word for molest?
Other words for "molest" include harry, plague, provoke, chevy, hassle, harass.
What are the different meanings of molest?
"molest" has 2 main meanings: 1. To sexually abuse or sexually harass someone, especially a child; 2. (dated) To annoy, bother, or interfere with.
How do you use molest in a sentence?
Example: "He was convicted of molesting a minor."
