First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
molest
verb mo·lest \mə-ˈlest\
: to harm (someone) through sexual contact : to touch (someone) in a sexual and improper way
: to bother or annoy (someone or something)
Full Definition of MOLEST
transitive verb
1
: to annoy, disturb, or persecute especially with hostile intent or injurious effect
2
: to make annoying sexual advances to; especially : to force physical and usually sexual contact on
— mo·les·ta·tion \ˌmō-ˌles-ˈtā-shən, ˌmä-, -ləs-\ noun
— mo·lest·er \mə-ˈles-tər\ noun
See molest defined for English-language learners
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Origin of MOLEST
Middle English, from Anglo-French molester, from Latin molestare, from molestus burdensome, annoying; akin to Latin moles mass
Other Legal Terms
MOLEST Defined for Kids
molest
verb mo·lest \mə-ˈlest\
mo·lest·edmo·lest·ing
Definition of MOLEST for Kids
: to disturb or injure by interfering
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