View synonyms for molest

molest

[ muh-lest ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to make indecent sexual advances to.
to assault sexually.
Older Use. to bother, interfere with, or annoy.
Synonyms: torment, hector, plague, trouble, harry, harass

molest

/ ˌməʊlɛˈsteɪʃən; məˈlɛst /

verb

to disturb or annoy by malevolent interference
to accost or attack, esp with the intention of assaulting sexually

Discover More

Derived Forms

molestation, noun
moˈlester, noun

Discover More

Other Words From

mo·les·ta·tion [moh-le-, stey, -sh, uh, n, mol-e-], noun
mo·lest·er noun
mo·lest·ful adjective
un·mo·lest·ed adjective
un·mo·lest·ing adjective

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of molest¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English molesten, from Latin molestāre “to irk,” derivative of molestus “irksome”; compare mōlēs “mass, burden, trouble”

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of molest¹

C14: from Latin molestāre to annoy, from molestus troublesome, from mōlēs mass

Discover More

Synonym Study

See attack.

Discover More

Example Sentences

Of such as wandering near her secret bower, Molest her ancient solitary reign.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

moleskins molestation

Browse