Molest, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Molested; p. pr. & vb. n. Molesting.]
Etymology: [F. molester, L. molestare, fr. molestus troublesome, fr. moles a heavy mass, load, burden. See 3d Mole.]
To trouble; to disturb; to render uneasy; to interfere with; to vex. They have molested the church with needless opposition. Hooker.
Syn. -- To trouble; disturb; incommode; inconvenience; annoy; vex; tease.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Molest, n.
Molestation. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for molest; he lists it under abuse.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.