as in persecution
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Recent Examples of molestation
Richard and Woods have each been charged with murder and several counts of child molestation and child abuse, per online court records reviewed by PEOPLE.
—
Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Feldman’s lawyers responded that the mention of molestation was not physical, but rather referred to Haim’s advances towards him.
—William Earl, Variety, 30 Dec. 2025
State officials closed the day care on May 8, 2025, after one of its employees, Gabriel Garner, was arrested on accusations of child molestation.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 23 Dec. 2025
Many have criminal histories that include homicide, assault, rape, drug trafficking, child molestation, cruelty toward a child, battery, and armed robbery, among other crimes, a DHS news release states.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025
In 2003, the singer was arrested and charged with child molestation.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges in a 2005 criminal trial, and the estate has consistently denied all allegations.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
Among those arrested was Walther Ramiro Hernandez-Ortiz, an 18-year-old from Honduras, who faces charges including lewd and lascivious behavior, battery, and molestation of a victim under 12 years old, according to ICE.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
An Independence pastor was sentenced to 10 years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to child molestation charges.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Feldman’s lawyers responded that the mention of molestation was not physical, but rather referred to Haim’s advances towards him.
—William Earl, Variety, 30 Dec. 2025
State officials closed the day care on May 8, 2025, after one of its employees, Gabriel Garner, was arrested on accusations of child molestation.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 23 Dec. 2025
Many have criminal histories that include homicide, assault, rape, drug trafficking, child molestation, cruelty toward a child, battery, and armed robbery, among other crimes, a DHS news release states.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025
In 2003, the singer was arrested and charged with child molestation.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges in a 2005 criminal trial, and the estate has consistently denied all allegations.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
Among those arrested was Walther Ramiro Hernandez-Ortiz, an 18-year-old from Honduras, who faces charges including lewd and lascivious behavior, battery, and molestation of a victim under 12 years old, according to ICE.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
An Independence pastor was sentenced to 10 years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to child molestation charges.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for molestation
Noun
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The Supreme Court agreed to hear Cisco’s bid to stave off a long-running lawsuit alleging the tech giant aided the Chinese government’s persecution of the Falun Gong spiritual movement.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
9 Jan. 2026
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To declare war on immigrants, many of whom are fleeing persecution and violence fomented by past American interventionism, requires a powerful, blinding narrative strong enough to smokescreen the degradation and dehumanization at the core of the messaging.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This is likewise the thrust of Salò, based on the Marquis de Sade’s The 120 Days of Sodom, an orgiastic, disturbing carnival of torture, rape, and killing, reset by Pasolini in the town from which fascism reigned in the 1940s.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
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Marcano Tábata is widely identified by human rights groups as part of the command structure overseeing detention centers where political prisoners have been held, including facilities accused of systematic abuse and torture.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Zabik is facing two counts of inciting destruction of life or property, menacing, and harassment.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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And Kelly keeps cashing in, converting Hegseth’s harassment into campaign donations.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Across California, and the nation, citizens and noncitizens alike have reported being beaten and harassed, having guns pointed at them without provocation and being detained without basic rights for days.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
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The federal government should immediately withdraw agents from the area, and likely from the Twin Cities altogether, to prevent further provocation.—
Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Even so, a few things about this season’s ongoing torment are clear.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
10 Jan. 2026
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Here, Seyfried captures the inner conflict of Ann Lee’s torment and trauma along with the ecstatic release of her religious practice.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Molestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/molestation. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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