sexual assault: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Legal, Academic, Formal, Media
Quick answer
What does “sexual assault” mean?
A crime of a physical, sexual nature committed against a person without that person's freely given consent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A crime of a physical, sexual nature committed against a person without that person's freely given consent.
Any type of sexual contact or behaviour that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. This encompasses a wide range of non-consensual acts, from unwanted touching to rape. It is a legal term as well as a social and psychological one.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or legal application. Both jurisdictions use it as a key statutory term. Spelling remains 'assault' in both.
Connotations
Identical connotations of gravity, illegality, and trauma in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in legal, academic, media, and advocacy contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “sexual assault” in a Sentence
to be charged with sexual assaultto be a victim of sexual assaultto report an incident of sexual assaultto define an act as sexual assaultVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sexual assault” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The defendant was found guilty of sexually assaulting the complainant.
- He has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple women.
American English
- The perpetrator was charged with sexually assaulting a minor.
- She testified that he sexually assaulted her in the park.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable; 'sexual' is an adjective modifying 'assault'. The adverbial form is 'sexually', as in 'sexually assault'.]
American English
- [Not applicable; 'sexual' is an adjective modifying 'assault'. The adverbial form is 'sexually', as in 'sexually assault'.]
adjective
British English
- The sexual assault allegation was investigated thoroughly.
- She received counselling at a sexual assault referral centre.
American English
- He faced sexual assault charges in three states.
- The university revised its sexual assault policy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR/legal contexts regarding workplace policies and training (e.g., 'The company has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault.')
Academic
Frequent in law, sociology, psychology, gender studies, and criminology texts and research.
Everyday
Used in serious conversations about crime, news reports, and personal disclosures. Not casual language.
Technical
Precise legal term with defined statutory elements that vary by jurisdiction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sexual assault”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sexual assault”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sexual assault”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He sexual assaulted her' is incorrect; use 'He sexually assaulted her' or 'He committed sexual assault'). Confusing it with 'sexual harassment', which is often non-physical and related to a power dynamic in a specific setting (e.g., workplace).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Rape' is typically considered a specific, often the most severe, form of sexual assault. 'Sexual assault' is the broader category that includes rape as well as other non-consensual sexual acts.
Generally, no. The term 'assault' implies a physical act or threat. Non-physical, sexually intrusive behaviour (e.g., verbal harassment, exhibitionism) is more often classified under terms like 'sexual harassment' or 'indecent exposure'.
Yes, the verb form is 'to sexually assault' someone. The phrase 'was sexually assaulted' is the passive construction and is commonly and correctly used.
The absence of freely given, informed, and ongoing consent is the central, defining element that distinguishes criminal sexual assault from lawful sexual activity.
A crime of a physical, sexual nature committed against a person without that person's freely given consent.
Sexual assault is usually legal, academic, formal, media in register.
Sexual assault: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsekʃuəl əˈsɔːlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsekʃuəl əˈsɔːlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not typically used in idiomatic expressions due to its serious, literal nature]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'assault' as an attack. 'Sexual assault' is an attack of a sexual nature.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A VIOLATION (of bodily autonomy, trust, law).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate statement about the term 'sexual assault'?