molest - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
molest Word Meanings
- to bother or harm someone in a sexual way
- to annoy or disturb
- to interfere with the comfort of someone
molest Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
molest Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/məˈlɛst/
US
/məˈlɛst/
molest Word Etymology
From Latin 'molestare' (to trouble, annoy) → Old French 'molester' → English. Imagine a small mosquito that bothers you while you’re trying to relax; it 'molests' your peace.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Molest, as a verb, means to bother or harm someone in a sexual way, or more rarely to annoy or disturb, or to interfere with someone's comfort. In modern usage it is strong and usually refers to sexual harassment or abuse, so learners should avoid using it for everyday irritations. For general annoyances, prefer words like annoy, disturb, bother, or harass in neutral contexts. It can appear in legal or medical discussions about harassment, and its noun form is molestation. The past tense is molested, and the verb is used with a direct object (someone) or with a situation that is 'molested'.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Molest is a strong term, usually about sexual harassment; use with care.
- 2) For everyday annoyances, prefer annoy, disturb, or bother.
- 3) The passive form 'molested' is common in news or legal contexts.
- 4) Do not apply to animals or minor irritations; that would be inappropriate.
- 5) In formal contexts, you may see 'molestation'; consider tone and audience.
Common Misconceptions
- Molest is just a stronger synonym for annoy; it also covers casual irritation in modern usage.
- You can say 'he molested the crowd' to mean he irritated them in a light way.
- It can refer to animals or objects easily.
- Molest and molestation are interchangeable in everyday speech.
- The word is suitable for casual conversations about minor nuisances.
Thinking Differences
Molest in English is a strong, often sexual term; learners should not apply it to everyday irritations and must distinguish it from harass or annoy.
Learning Tips
- 1) Learn its strong sense and avoid for minor annoyances.
- 2) Use annoy, disturb, or bother for everyday irritation.
- 3) Recognize 'molest' in legal/serious contexts only.
- 4) Remember 'molestation' as the noun form.
- 5) Practice passive voice: 'was molested' or 'molested by'.
- Compare with 'harass' to capture different intensity.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'molest'?
A.Cause harm
B.Annoy or harass
C.Help or assist
D.Ignore completely
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'molest' used correctly?
A.She went to the park to play and molest her friends.
B.He kindly offered to molest her with her homework.
C.The teacher had to intervene when one student started to molest another.
D.The flowers in the garden started to molest beautifully.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym for 'molest'?
A.Pester
B.Protect
C.Harm
D.Assist
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'molest'?
A.Comfort
B.Ignore
C.Promote
D.Annoy
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would the word 'molest' be used?
A.Dealing with harassment
B.Playing a musical instrument
C.Ordering food at a restaurant
D.Reading a book
Related Listening
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