verb (used with object)
1.
to bother, interfere with, or annoy.
2.
to make indecent sexual advances to.
3.
to assault sexually.
Origin:
1325–75; Middle English molesten < Latin molestāre to irk, derivative of molestus irksome; compare mōlēs mass, burden, trouble
1325–75; Middle English molesten < Latin molestāre to irk, derivative of molestus irksome; compare mōlēs mass, burden, trouble
Related forms
lɛˈsteɪ mo·lest·er, noun
mo·lest·ful, adjective
un·mo·lest·ed, adjective
un·mo·lest·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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|
Link To molest
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Molest
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is hornswoggle. Does it mean:
| to steal or take dishonestly (money, esp. public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle. |
| to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
molest (məˈlɛst) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to disturb or annoy by malevolent interference |
| 2. | to accost or attack, esp with the intention of assaulting sexually |
| [C14: from Latin molestāre to annoy, from molestus troublesome, from mōlēs mass] | |
| molestation | |
| —n | |
| mo'lester | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
molest
late 14c., "to cause trouble, grief, or vexation," from O.Fr. molester (12c.), from L. molestare "to disturb, trouble, annoy," from molestus "troublesome," perhaps related to moles "mass" (see mole (3)) on notion of either "burden" or "barrier." Meaning "sexually assault" first
attested 1950. Related: Molested; molesting.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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