molestation

noun

Definition of molestationnext
as in persecution

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of molestation An 18-year-old North Carolina woman threatened to fabricate child molestation accusations if a man didn’t give her cash, according to police in Huntersville. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 He has been charged with kidnapping, molestation, lewd and lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 He was booked on child molestation charges in 2003, but acquitted on criminal counts. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026 In his executive order, DeSantis noted the charges Caruso is facing, which include lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, kidnapping, child abuse causing mental injury, and luring or enticing a child. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 It’s been over six months since the first trial in the Riverside Church child molestation scandal resulted in a settlement for former college basketball star Daryl Powell. — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026 It was raided in 2003 amid an investigation by police regarding the late musician’s relationship with a minor and molestation allegations. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026 Following his March 18 arrest in Arkansas, Joseph Duggar was charged in Bay County with lewd and lascivious behavior — molestation of a victim less than 12 years old — and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 The movie was supposed to address the molestation accusations, but those plans had to be scrapped after attorneys for the Jackson estate discovered a clause in the settlement with one of the accusers that barred the depiction of him in any movie. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for molestation
  1. persecution
  2. torture
  3. harassment
  4. provocation
  5. torment
Noun
  • The heightened visibility of it all has divided some elders who, after living through periods of persecution, worry a new such era could dawn.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Many Germans had believed their country had developed an immunity to nationalism and assertions of racial superiority after confronting the horrors of its Nazi past through education and laws to outlaw persecution.
    — Kirsten Grieshaber, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of persecution
Noun
  • Among them was the revival of medieval doctrines of just war, which subordinated contractual obligations to unilateral claims of moral authority—doctrines that resurfaced during the war on terror to justify pre-emptive attacks and torture.
    — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Wolfson has used animation, video, virtual reality, sculpture, and terrifying robotic figures to render technology as a form of psychological torture and slapstick comedy.
    — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of torture
Noun
  • Players have revealed their concerns about harassment and death threats reaching a traumatizing level.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Presidential officials have also warned against harassment and xenophobia.
    — Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of harassment
Noun
  • Casting Johnson was, by Gyllenhaal’s own admission, a provocation.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Brands today need nuance to be titillating—nudity and provocation are too available.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of provocation
Noun
  • As if Wendy’s hands, heart and day planner weren’t full enough, a panicky Jack determines to win her back, much to her torment.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Jolene In Jolene, released in 1974, Parton’s lyrics capture the torment of watching your lover flirt with someone else.
    — Wendy Hargreaves, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of torment

Browse Nearby Words

molest
molestation
molestations
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Cite this Entry

“Molestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/molestation. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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