sexual abuse

noun

sex·​u·​al abuse
ˈsek-shə-wəl-, -shwəl-
1
a
: the infliction of sexual contact upon a person by forcible compulsion
b
: the engaging in sexual contact with a person who is below a specified age or who is incapable of giving consent because of age or mental or physical incapacity
2
: the crime of engaging in or inflicting sexual abuse

Dictionary Entries Near sexual abuse

Cite this Entry

“Sexual abuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/sexual%20abuse. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!