ravish

rav·ish

verb \ˈra-vish\

Definition of RAVISH

transitive verb

1

a : to seize and take away by violence b : to overcome with emotion (as joy or delight) <ravished by the scenic beauty> c : rape 2

2

: plunder, rob

— rav·ish·er noun

— rav·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun

Examples of RAVISH

1. <tales of Caribbean pirates who abducted fair maidens and ravished them without mercy>
2. <travelers have long been ravished with wonder and awe by the immensity of the Great Pyramid at Giza>

Origin of RAVISH

Middle English ravisshen, from Anglo-French raviss-, stem of ravir, from Vulgar Latin *rapire, alteration of Latin rapere to seize, rob — more at rapid

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to RAVISH

Synonyms: assault, force, outrage, rape, violate

Related Words: date rape; gang rape; molest; paw; defile, deflower

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with RAVISH

lavish