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 In 1984 the preschool’s entire staff, consisting of six women and one man, was charged with molestation and conspiracy. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 He is charged with one count of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12 and one count of lewd or lascivious conduct. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2026 Andre Lamar Stafford, who is running to represent House District 42, is charged in the warrant with felony child molestation and misdemeanor public indecency. — CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Authorities charged Andre Stafford, running for Georgia House District 42 in Smyrna, with one felony count of child molestation and one count of public indecency. — Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Caruso has been charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse inflicting mental injury. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 Jackson left the ranch in 2005 following a 2003 raid as part of an investigation into child molestation allegations made against the singer. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026 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 was booked on child molestation charges in 2003, but acquitted on criminal counts. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for molestation
  1. persecution
  2. torture
  3. harassment
  4. provocation
  5. torment
Noun
  • United Nations commissions have formally concluded that Russian military actions amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity — murder, forced displacement and systematic persecution.
    — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Much of Jewish Iraqi American conceptual artist Michael Rakowitz’s work focuses on re-creating or giving new life to religious materials that were stolen, damaged or destroyed amid war and persecution.
    — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of persecution
Noun
  • In some of his videos, smaller animals would suffer prolonged torture and death.
    — CBS Minnesota, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Two weeks ago, forensic anthropologists found and identified the remains of nine missing people from La Perla, one of the dictatorship’s largest clandestine detention and torture centers.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of torture
Noun
  • Published today, the Guardian’s report accuses Walliams of grooming young fans and harassment.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026
  • There were stories of harassment of returning veterans in the airports.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of harassment
Noun
  • This nuclear free-for-all is particularly dangerous given Russia’s nuclear saber rattling amid the war in Ukraine and the Kremlin’s fondness for provocations such as sending explosive-laden drones into NATO airspace.
    — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2026
  • But a provocation loses some of its disruptive power when the audience knows precisely what to expect (and comes to expect it of everyone).
    — Anna Rahmanan, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of provocation
Noun
  • The excellent Benton plays Paulina — the Regina George-esque queen bee at a girls’ high school in 1986 Ghana — with snide stares, biting put-downs and internalized torment.
    — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Garland wasted no time giving Clippers fans something to smile about after an offseason of torment and transformation.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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