Main Entry:

mo·lest

Pronunciation:

\mə-ˈlest\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French molester, from Latin molestare, from molestus burdensome, annoying; akin to Latin moles mass

Date:

14th century

1: to annoy, disturb, or persecute especially with hostile intent or injurious effect2: to make annoying sexual advances to ; especially : to force physical and usually sexual contact on

— mo·les·ta·tion \ˌmō-ˌles-ˈtā-shən, ˌmä-, -ləs-\ noun

— mo·lest·er \mə-ˈles-tər\ noun