verb

molest

muh-LEHST

Molest (verb) means to sexually abuse or sexually harass someone, especially a child.

verb

To sexually abuse or sexually harass someone, especially a child.

"He was convicted of molesting a minor."

(dated) To annoy, bother, or interfere with.

"The old text warns travelers not to molest the local wildlife."

How to use molest

Learner’s notes

In 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.

Word forms

molested past tense, molests singular

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Etymology

From Old French molester, from Latin molestus, "troublesome," itself from moles, "a burden."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

harry plague provoke chevy hassle harass beset chivy chivvy chevvy

Related words

attack trouble raise henry harry destroy bother dispute

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."

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