APA Dictionary of Psychology

a situation in which an employee or group of employees within a workplace experience harassment, discrimination, or offensive behavior as a consequence of another’s conduct within it (e.g., inappropriate comments, remarks, or gestures; unwanted sexual attention) or because of characteristics of the setting (e.g., displays of distasteful, insulting, or otherwise inappropriate material). See also Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson; quid pro quo; sexual harassment.