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molest

verb

/məˈlɛst/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of molest

To engage in behavior that causes harm, disturbance, or annoyance to someone, typically in a sexual or aggressive manner.
"The suspect denied any intention to molest the victim."

Detailed meaning of molest

It can include unwanted physical contact, sexual advances, or verbal harassment. The term "molest" is often used in the context of sexual abuse or harassment, where it describes the act of inappropriately touching or forcing oneself on someone else without their consent. However, it can also be used more broadly to describe any behavior that violates someone's personal space, privacy, or safety. Molesting someone is a serious offense that can have severe psychological and emotional consequences for the victim, and it is considered a criminal act in many jurisdictions.

Example sentences containing molest

1. He was arrested for attempting to molest a young girl.
2. It is illegal to molest someone without their consent.
3. Don't ever dare to molest anyone; it's a heinous crime.
4. If you molest the beehive, you'll surely get stung.
5. Any attempt to molest the wildlife in this park is punishable by law.
6. Remember, to molest a sleeping animal can lead to unpredictable reactions.

History and etymology of molest

The verb 'molest' has its origins in the Latin word 'molestare,' which means 'to trouble' or 'to annoy.' It stems from 'molesta,' the feminine form of 'molestus,' signifying something that is troublesome or annoying. In its early use, 'molest' primarily conveyed the idea of causing disturbance or annoyance to someone, often in a general sense. However, over time, it acquired a more specific and sinister connotation, particularly in reference to engaging in harmful or aggressive behavior towards someone, often with sexual implications. The etymology of 'molest' thus reflects its evolution from a term denoting general annoyance to one indicating actions that are intrusive, disturbing, or harmful, especially in a sexual or aggressive context.

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Further usage examples of molest

1. In this area, disturbing or trying to molest endangered species will result in heavy fines.
2. Be cautious when hiking in bear territory; you wouldn't want to accidentally molest a mother bear and her cubs.
3. Some tourists don't understand that to molest marine life can have serious consequences.
4. Never molest the ancient ruins; they hold invaluable historical significance.
5. Parents teach their children that it's wrong to molest others, both physically and emotionally.
6. By law, you cannot molest the nests of protected bird species.
7. It's a serious offence to molest the peace of someone's home.
8. If you molest the security dog, it will bite you.
9. To molest a wild animal's habitat can disrupt the delicate ecological balance.
10. He had a nasty habit to molest the pigeons in the park by throwing stones at them.
11. You should not molest the tulips in the garden by picking them.
12. It is not acceptable to molest the order of the library by misplacing books.
13. Beware not to molest the ant hill; it could lead to a swarm of angry ants.
14. Children, do not molest the peaceful frog sitting by the pond.
15. In the jungle, do not molest any creature, big or small.
16. It's important not to molest the tranquillity of the sacred place with loud noises.