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

The brothers previously faced rape and human trafficking charges in Britain in connection to three alleged victims, CPS said. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

The additional charges filed against Andrew Tate last month include seven counts of rape, 15 counts of making/distributing indecent images of children and four counts of possession of extreme pornography. — Juliette Arcodia, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026

In several case studies documented by AHRDO, women who approached the Taliban courts to complain about domestic abuse, violence and even rape were arrested and charged with moral crimes and sentenced to public lashing. — Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

The rape aggravated the woman’s existing brain damage and seizure disorder, the lawsuit said. — Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026

He was accused of rape by Belgian-Dutch female actor Sand Van Roy, though Besson was eventually cleared of all charges. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

The Tate brothers remain in jail in the US while a judge decides on the request for their extradition to Britain, where they are wanted on rape charges. — Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Flynn’s attorney, Jerry Giesler, had become famous defending Alexander Pantages, the theater-chain mogul, on a rape charge. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

The movie is also a chronicle of the degradation of what passes for news reporting; Sun staffers are told that every murder, rape or theft has to be written up like a thriller. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Verb

In one case, documented as PF006, the report noted that the victim, who had an intellectual disability, was detained by the Taliban in her garden and taken to a security checkpoint where she was raped. — Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

Though the events at Bucha, where over 400 civilians were murdered, some after being tortured and raped, fall within the timeframe covered by most of the books discussed here, only Harding deals with them in any depth. — Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026

The driver strangled and raped the woman after the ride began, the lawsuit said. — Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026

What will Alice do with the footage of herself being raped found on Easton’s computer? — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026

At the time, Laura’s father had not been told his daughter was allegedly raped and killed by Hedrick. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Thomas Frey/picture alliance via Getty Images His DNA had been on file since his conviction in 1999 of attempting to rape a 16-year-old girl. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

After Madeline’s birthday, Jane is forced to have a difficult conversation with Ziggy after Amabella, Renata’s daughter, tells her that Perry raped Jane. — Matt Minton, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026

According to a detective’s testimony at a preliminary hearing, Thomas raped a 15-year-old girl while forcing her to insult Blythe Street. — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026