verb
molest
muh-LEHST
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.
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."