molester

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "molester" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a person (usually a man) who sexually molests someone, usually a child or young person. For example, "The police arrested the molester after he was caught on camera trying to inappropriately touch a young girl in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Babe's dispatcher, Ruthanne, sends her to pick up a couple,… Short story about a child molester which begins with his childhood in Beri, India, and ends with his molested daughter reaching adulthood.

The New Yorker

Short story about a child molester which begins with his childhood in Beri, India, and ends with his molested daughter reaching adulthood.

The New Yorker

Does it really take something as extreme as letting a child molester into a family's home to make viewers feel that the all-access pass to their favourite celebrities' lives should come with some qualifications?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Many people assume that anyone listed on a sex-offender registry must be a rapist or a child molester.

The Economist

The only benefit to the offender will be a better chance of leading a reformed life once released.Much of the impetus for the bill came from the experience of Larry Don McQuay, a convicted child molester from San Antonio who has publicly begged the authorities to castrate him.

The Economist

In America, a law requiring the authorities to inform people of sex offenders living in their midst was prompted by the public outrage when a twice-convicted child molester raped and murdered a seven-year-old girl living across the street.

The Economist

You don't cure a child molester... Pathological, there's no cure for that" – interview with CNN "She's playing the woman card up, that's all she has.

Independent

The cartoon published in the magazine plays off the US-produced film which portrays the prophet as a fraud, a womaniser and a child molester.

Independent

One of the stories, 'Lorraine Goes to Livingston', concerns Freddy Royle, a fictional children's TV presenter described as the nation's "favourite caring, laconic uncle", who turns out to be a child molester and necrophiliac, raising millions for the hospital where he commits his crimes.

Independent

Protests have erupted around the Middle East over a 14-minute trailer for the film "Innocence of Muslims" that depicts the Prophet Mohamed as a womanizer, fraud and child molester.

Independent

The titular character of this frenetic, risk-taking novel is an obsessive public masturbator (an "inadequate molester") who has a complicated relationship with his "mam".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like sexual abuse, use precise language. Terms like “sexual abuser” or “child abuser” can sometimes provide clarity depending on the specific context, in order to convey the appropriate degree of culpability. Always strive for accuracy and avoid euphemisms that might downplay the severity of the crime.

Common error

While "offender" can be a valid synonym, it is often too broad. Using less specific terms may dilute the impact and seriousness of the issue, especially when discussing crimes against children. Choose precise vocabulary to ensure your message is clear and direct.

Linguistic Context

The word "molester" functions primarily as a noun, specifically an agent noun. It identifies a person who performs the action of molesting. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing individuals accused or convicted of sexual offenses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Less common in

Academia

0.3%

Encyclopedias

0.1%

Wiki

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "molester" is a noun that identifies someone who commits sexual abuse, most often against a child. It is grammatically correct and "Very common", as confirmed by Ludwig. The primary function of the term is to clearly label individuals accused or convicted of such acts, predominantly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "sexual predator" or "child abuser" exist, using precise and accurate language is crucial when addressing sensitive topics like sexual abuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Child abuser

Emphasizes the abuse of children specifically.

Sexual predator

Highlights the predatory nature of the offender.

Sex offender

A broader term encompassing various types of sexual crimes.

Abuser of trust

Focuses on the violation of trust inherent in the act.

Perpetrator of sexual abuse

A more formal and clinical description.

Sexual assailant

Highlights the assaultive aspect of the crime.

Offender against children

Specifically refers to offenses against children.

Transgressor

A more general term for someone who violates a moral or legal code.

Violator

Implies a violation of laws or norms.

Predatory individual

Describes the individual's predatory behavior in a more indirect way.

FAQs

What does the word "molester" mean?

The word "molester" refers to a person who sexually molests another, often a child. It's a term used to describe someone who commits sexual abuse.

Are there alternatives to using the word "molester"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "child abuser", "sexual predator", or "sex offender".

How is "molester" different from "sexual abuser"?

"Molester" is a more direct and common term, while "sexual abuser" is a more formal and clinical description. Both terms refer to someone who commits sexual abuse, but the choice depends on the desired tone and context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "molester" in news articles?

Yes, it is appropriate to use the term "molester" in news articles when reporting on cases of sexual abuse, as long as it is used accurately and responsibly. The term helps to convey the severity and nature of the crime.