indecent exposure

noun

: intentional exposure of part of one's body (such as the genitals) in a place where such exposure is likely to be an offense against the generally accepted standards of decency

Examples of indecent exposure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Advertisement In the summer of 1991, not long after the CBS show ended, Reubens was, as far too many people will forever remember, arrested and charged with indecent exposure in a Sarasota, Fla., movie theater that showed pornographic films. Hank Stuever, Washington Post, 31 July 2023 He was arrested in 1991 in Sarasota, Florida, for indecent exposure. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2023 His success was nearly derailed in 1991, when he was arrested for indecent exposure at an adult movie theater in Sarasota, Fla., and paid a $75 fine. Anna Chan, Billboard, 31 July 2023 In ’91, Reubens pleaded no contest to indecent exposure at a Sarasota adult movie theater and retreated from the public eye. Vulture, 31 July 2023 Benjamin Dexter, 25, and James O’Neill, 59, were charged with felony counts of indecent exposure/gross lewdness, Manchester police said in a statement. Adam Sennott, BostonGlobe.com, 21 July 2023 Also Read Paul Reubens, Pee-wee Herman Actor, Dies at 70 In 1991, Paul Reubens was arrested at an adult theater in Florida, charged with indecent exposure. Nicholas Bell, Spin, 7 Aug. 2023 And many recalled how in 1991, Reubens pleaded no contest to an indecent exposure charge after his arrest in Sarasota, Florida, for allegedly exposing himself in an adult movie theater. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 31 July 2023 His career suffered a serious setback in July 1991 when he was arrested for indecent exposure in an adult theater in Sarasota, Florida. Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indecent exposure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indecent exposure was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near indecent exposure

Cite this Entry

“Indecent exposure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecent%20exposure. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

Medical Definition

indecent exposure

noun
: intentional exposure of part of one's body (as the genitalia) in a place where such exposure is likely to be an offense against the generally accepted standards of decency in a community

Legal Definition

indecent exposure

noun
in·​de·​cent exposure
: the exposing of one's private body parts (as the genitals) either recklessly or intentionally and under circumstances likely to cause offense or affront

Note: Indecent exposure is generally classified as a misdemeanor.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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