Synonyms of rape

rape 1 of 2

noun

ˈrāp 

1

as in violation

the act of forcing a person to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse

an international law defining rape as a war crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violation
• assault
• sexual assault
• ravishment

2

as in kidnapping

the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal

the legend of the rape of the Sabine women by the ancient Romans was frequently depicted in classical art

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kidnapping
• abduction
• hijacking
• snatch
• seizure
• impressment
• shanghaiing

rape

2 of 2

verb

as in to violate

to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent

the defendant accused of raping the victim

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violate
• assault
• force
• ravish

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rape

Noun

Instagram direct messages to a University of Miami football player that included rape imagery, violent slavery imagery, three uses of the N-word and two uses of a homophobic slur are under investigation by the Florida Bar. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

This means that the larger social dynamics created by rape—even the prospect of rape—in small, intimate communities go unconsidered. — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Shea’s tampering was first revealed publicly during a 2024 trial for a 2010 murder and rape, when public defender Michael Kabakoff asked a testifying DNA expert about the issues. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

On day four of Brand’s rape trial at London’s Southwark Crown Court, the jury was shown a video of a 2023 police interview with an alleged victim. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

He was convicted in June of one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 indecent assault charges involving two girls between 1985 and 2008. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Officials noted that while domestic violence homicides and incident reports have decreased compared with last year, arrests, rape cases, assaults and major felony complaints have increased. — Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

The passage concerned the confession of the nun whose rape the detective investigates. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

The organization is lobbying the State for funding in order to maintain services for rape and Sexual Assult victums. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

Like Dominique Pelicot, the French man who used the online chat platform Coco to recruit men to rape his drugged and unconscious wife, the @SteveCumfulls of the world thrive on the internet’s reach and de-facto anonymity. — Anahid Nersessian, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026

Prosecutors allege Freire raped one of the women while she was incapacitated, took photographs of the unconscious roommates and shared the images with others. — Alice Gainer, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Former Cornell student Jane Doe, who filed a civil lawsuit in September 2026 alleging that seven fraternity members raped her at a party, said the young men who assaulted her pressured her into taking the drug ketamine. — Christopher P. Holstege, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026

During the video interview, C1 alleged that she was raped by Brand, now 51, after meeting him on the fringes of the Labour Party Conference in Bournemouth in 1999. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Brand then raped her anally, while the woman asked him to stop, the jury was told. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Prosecutors at the time accused Brand of raping a woman in the English seaside area of Bournemouth in 1999. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

The Cornell case has garnered nationwide attention over Jane Doe’s disturbing allegations, which include that she was coerced with alcohol and drugs before being raped multiple times at the Chi Phi frat house. — Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 13 Oct. 2026

Keep it brief, clear and consistent There’s no room for ambiguity when teaching boys not to rape or assault girls. — Katie Hurley, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026