sexual harassment

[sek-shoo-uhl huh-ras-muhnt, har-uhs-muhnt] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl həˈræs mənt, ˈhær əs mənt /

NOUN

unwanted sexual advance

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exploitation impropriety intimidation victimization

WEAK

inappropriate behavior offensive sexual advance sexual abuse sexual pressure suggestive comments unprofessional behavior unwanted sexual advances

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Gilbert also told Stephanopoulos that before she married Busfield, she was aware he had been accused of sexual harassment twice by different women, once in 1994 and another time in 2012.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

The Rail Delivery Group, which represents train companies, says the industry takes sexual harassment and assault cases "very seriously".

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

She was part of the team that investigated sexual harassment and assault by Uber and Lyft drivers, and spearheaded the network's coverage of Elizabeth Holmes' criminal fraud trial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Bob Woodward reported in “Fear” that Donald Trump once offered a friend accused of sexual harassment a simple strategy: “You’ve got to deny, deny, deny and push back… if you admit to anything, you’re dead.”

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

And while #MeToo has faced considerable backlash, the movement’s lasting legacy includes two federal laws that removed barriers to enforcing sexual harassment law.

From Slate • Nov. 24, 2025