The action or an act of forcing an unconsenting person to engage in sexual activity; a rape; (Law) a crime involving forced sexual contact, variously defined as inclusive or exclusive of rape.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Edward Cox Mann (1850–1908).
Definition of sexual assault in US English:
sexual assault
noun
The action or an act of forcing an unconsenting person to engage in sexual activity; a rape; (Law) a crime involving forced sexual contact, variously defined as inclusive or exclusive of rape.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Edward Cox Mann (1850–1908).