sexual harassment
Definition of sexual harassment
: uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature especially by a person in authority toward a subordinate (such as an employee or student)
Read the Latest from M-W
First Known Use of sexual harassment
1971
Law Dictionary
sexual harassment
Legal Definition of sexual harassment
: employment discrimination consisting of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct directed at an employee because of his or her sex; also : the tort of engaging in such discrimination — see also hostile environment sexual harassment, quid pro quo sexual harassment
Additional Notes on sexual harassment
Sexual harassment has been found by federal courts to violate the protection in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against discrimination in employment. There are also state statutes under which sexual harassment actions may be brought. In order to recover against an employer under a sexual harassment suit, the plaintiff has to show that the harassment affected the employment (as by being severe or pervasive) and that the employer is liable under respondeat superior because of actual or constructive knowledge of the harassment. Strict liability is often imposed for harassment of an employee by a supervisor or for quid pro quo sexual harassment.
Learn More about sexual harassment
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sexual harassment
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up sexual harassment? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!