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 effect
2 : 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