molester
UK: məˈlɛstə | US: məˈlɛstər
n. a person who molests others, especially in a sexual or violent manner.
vt. to harass, assault, or abuse someone persistently, often sexually.
The word "molester" derives from the Latin molestare, meaning "to disturb, annoy, or harm," which itself comes from molestus ("troublesome"). The suffix "-er" is an English agentive suffix, indicating a person who performs the action. Over time, "molest" evolved in English to specifically imply harmful or abusive behavior, particularly of a sexual nature, giving "molester" its modern connotation.
The police arrested the suspected molester after multiple complaints.
Parents warned their children to stay away from strangers to avoid potential molesters.
The documentary exposed how the institution failed to protect students from a known molester.
She bravely testified against her molester in court.
Laws have been tightened to punish child molesters more severely.