ravish

[rav-ish]

verb (used with object)

1. to fill with strong emotion, especially joy.

   Synonyms: captivate, delight, enthrall, transport, enrapture

2. to seize and carry off by force.

3. to carry off (a woman) by force.

4. to rape (a woman).

ravish

/ ˈrævɪʃ /

verb

1. (often passive) to give great delight to; enrapture

2. to rape

3. archaic,  to carry off by force

Other Word Forms

• ravishment noun
• ravisher noun
• ravishedly adverb
• unravished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ravish¹

1250–1300; Middle English ravishen < Middle French raviss-, long stem of ravir to seize ≪ Latin rapere; rape ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ravish¹

C13: from Old French ravir , from Latin rapere to seize

Example Sentences

“Adriana” examines the way war ravishes love and the sacrifices required to maintain equanimity.

From Los Angeles Times

But in 2020, as the coronavirus ravishes black America disproportionately, as economic uncertainty wrought by the pandemic strains black pocketbooks, and as police brutality continues to devastate black families, Juneteenth is a day of protest.

From Seattle Times

He dominates Cody with language, Cody’s weapon of choice; he strips him and ravishes him.

From The New Yorker

Yes, these were supposed to be star-crossed adolescent lovers, but after the two kissed, Gheorghiu, subdued and seductive, sang, "your voice ravishes my senses," and we believed her.

From Los Angeles Times

Virgin Islands for years redirected money intended to help pay insurance claims after large disasters for other needs, raising the vulnerability of residents as Hurricane Irma ravishes the territory.

From Reuters

Related Words

• bewitch 
• enthrall 
• spellbind