molest Hear it!

molest definition

mo·lest (mə lest′, mō-)

transitive verb

  1. to annoy, interfere with, or meddle with so as to trouble or harm, or with intent to trouble or harm
  2. ☆ to make improper advances to, esp. of a sexual nature
  3. to assault or attack (esp. a child) sexually

Etymology: ME molesten < OFr molester < L molestare < molestus, troublesome < moles, a burden: see mole

Related Forms:

  • molestation mo′·les·ta′·tion (mō′les tā′s̸hən, mäl′əs-) noun
  • molester mo·lest′er noun

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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