sexual abuse
noun
sex·u·al abuse
ˈsek-shə-wəl-, -shwəl-
1
a
: the infliction of sexual contact upon a person by forcible compulsion
b
: the engaging in sexual contact with a person who is below a specified age or who is incapable of giving consent because of age or mental or physical incapacity
2
: the crime of engaging in or inflicting sexual abuse
Cite this Entry
“Sexual abuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/sexual%20abuse. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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