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.

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

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, is pressing charges against a man who groped her on the street and is pushing nationwide measures against sexual harassment.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

He signed into law a series of bills that targeted sexual harassment in the workplace, protections for pregnant women, paid family leave and equal pay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

"There's zero tolerance in terms of sexual harassment on our network," said their chief executive Jacqueline Starr.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2025