Unmolested Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unmolested

[สŒnหˆmษ’lษ›stษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

general use

Unmolested refers to something that has not been interfered with, harmed, or disturbed in any way. It can describe a state of being free from unwanted attention or harm. This term is often used in contexts related to privacy, safety, or untouched conditions. It indicates a level of preservation or security from external forces.

Synonyms

unbothered, unharmed, untampered, untouched.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient ruins remained unmolested for centuries.
  • She enjoyed her unmolested solitude in the countryside.
  • The wildlife in the protected area remained unmolested by human activity.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, 'unmolested' is often used to describe areas or persons that are not violated by unwanted actions.
  • It can refer to a concept of personal space being respected in both civil and criminal law contexts.
  • The phrase 'unmolested right of way' implies legal protection from hindrance.

Cultural Perspectives

  • The term relates closely to discussions about consent, privacy, and bodily autonomy in modern social movements.
  • In literature, characters often seek unmolested environments to find peace or safety.
  • Cultural narratives often emphasize the importance of keeping individuals unmolested from harm, especially in discussions of personal rights.

Psychology

  • Feeling unmolested can contribute to a person's sense of security and well-being, supporting mental health.
  • The absence of molestation in childhood is crucial for healthy psychological development.
  • Trauma studies emphasize the significance of creating unmolested environments for recovery from adverse experiences.

Literature

  • Authors often contrast characters who are molested versus those who live unmolested lives to highlight themes of innocence and destruction.
  • In poetry, being unmolested can symbolize purity and the untouched nature of emotions or experiences.
  • Fictional narratives often explore the journey from being molested to reclaiming an unmolested state of peace and safety.

Origin of 'unmolested'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'molest' comes from the Latin 'molestare,' which means to trouble or disturb.
  • Adding 'un-' makes it the opposite, meaning to be free from being troubled.
  • The term has been in use since the late 14th century, primarily in relation to personal safety and integrity.

The word 'unmolested' originates from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', combined with the past participle of the verb 'molest', which derives from the Latin 'molestare', meaning 'to disturb or trouble'. The term 'molest' itself has evolved over time, originally meaning to trouble or annoy, and has taken on more serious connotations in modern English, particularly in legal contexts regarding sexual abuse. The use of 'unmolested' in literature dates back to the early 18th century, where it was often employed in discussions regarding property, nature, and personal space, indicating areas that were preserved from interference or damage.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,783, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.