molested

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "molested" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has been the victim of sexual abuse or assault. For example: "The victim claimed they had been molested by the attacker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Alliance MP's call comes as a victim of abuse at Kincora speaks out on Tuesday night's Channel 4 News alleging that he was taken from the east Belfast home to London where he was molested by members of a VIP paedophile ring.

The Guardian

This led to significant snarking online: "Look he didn't molest ALL of us – some of us he cast in movies!" tweeted writer Sady Doyle, referring to allegations that Allen molested his daughter.

The Guardian - Film

– It is difficult to conceive why they should select a situation apparently so ineligible, and so incompatible with their usual shy and cautious habits, as the centre of a large town; but we hope they will not be molested, and that they will have no cause to repent the confidence they have thus reposed in mankind.

The Guardian

You won't find a single household in the village whose woman he hadn't teased or molested.

The Guardian

Last year Allen was publicly challenged by his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow that he had sexually molested her, claims first levelled by his former partner Mia Farrow in the early 1990s.

The Guardian

Some were more oblique ("Night," Mia Farrow tweeted, minutes before the tribute started), and others less so: "Missed the Woody Allen tribute - did they put the part where a woman publicly confirmed he molested her at age 7 before or after Annie Hall?" tweeted Farrow and Allen's son Ronan after the event finished.

The Guardian - Film

After I was molested by an American tourist who'd become friends with my parents, instead of taking me to somewhere nobody could hear, she confronted me in front of my sisters and brothers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is "a shocking scandal" that Jews in Germany are molested, Mrs Merkel told the Berlin crowd.

The Economist

Was he also a predator who molested and raped dozens of vulnerable boys, in decades of abuse that the archdiocese of Boston covered up?The trial of Mr Shanley, which was due to go to the jury just after The Economist went to press, has had a profound effect on Boston.

The Economist

Even the mighty Singapore dollar has been molested, if not yet battered.Thailand's difficulties are certainly the biggest.

The Economist

In yet another case an Egyptian doctor got 80 lashes for "defamation" after protesting and proving that his son had been sexually molested by his headmaster.Reforms enacted last month are partly intended to allay public concerns.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past events, use "molested" to accurately convey the nature of the abuse, as in "The victim reported being molested in 2010."

Common error

Avoid substituting weaker terms like "inappropriately touched" when "molested" accurately reflects the severity of the act. Euphemisms can minimize the experience and impact the victim's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "molested" is a verb, often used in the past tense to describe a completed act of sexual abuse or assault. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for conveying the action performed on a victim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "molested" is a verb describing the act of sexual abuse or assault. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is "Very common", predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", and carries a Neutral register. When using "molested", prioritize accuracy and sensitivity, being mindful of its serious implications. Alternatives include "sexually assaulted" or "sexually abused", depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid euphemisms that minimize the impact of the abuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sexually assaulted

This alternative is a more clinical and legal term, often used in official reports or legal contexts.

sexually abused

This phrase emphasizes the abuse aspect, highlighting the power imbalance and the harm caused.

violated

This word emphasizes the transgression and the victim's sense of personal space and autonomy being invaded.

groped

This refers specifically to the act of touching someone sexually without their consent.

fondled

This describes a sexual touching, usually without violence, but still unwanted.

assaulted

This term indicates a violent physical attack, which may or may not be sexual in nature.

inappropriately touched

This option is a milder term, often used to describe less severe instances of unwanted physical contact.

harassed

This term can encompass a broader range of behaviors, including verbal and psychological harassment, not just physical.

offended

This phrase highlights the feeling of being affronted or insulted by the actions.

interfered with

This suggests an unwelcome intrusion into someone's personal space or body.

FAQs

What does "molested" mean?

The word "molested" refers to the act of sexually abusing or assaulting someone, especially a child. It involves unwanted sexual contact or behavior.

What can I say instead of "molested"?

You can use alternatives like "sexually assaulted", "sexually abused", or "inappropriately touched depending on the context".

Is "molested" a formal term?

"Molested" is a direct term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe sexual abuse, though it's more commonly found in news reports and legal documents.

Is there a difference between "molested" and "harassed"?

While both terms describe unwanted behavior, "molested" specifically refers to sexual abuse or assault, whereas "harassed" can include a broader range of behaviors, including verbal and psychological intimidation.