ravish

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb force (someone) to have sex against their will
  2. verb hold spellbound

Etymology

From Middle English ravyschen, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French ravis-, present participle stem of ravir (“to seize; to take away hastily”), from Vulgar Latin *rapire, from Latin rapere. See also rape.

In classic literature

Synonyms

rape, violate, assault, dishonor, dishonour, outrage

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