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
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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
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Recent Examples of rape
Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
However, Weinstein’s attorney Aidala expressed his frustration in court Thursday at the fact that the rape charge was going to a trial for a third time, rather than coming to some kind of resolution with the prosecution.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Harvey Weinstein is considering pleading guilty to a third-degree rape charge to avoid facing trial for a third time, the former Hollywood mogul’s lawyer told a judge in a downtown Manhattan courtroom Thursday.
—Adam Reiss, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
However, the jury remained deadlocked on a third-degree charge accusing him of the rape of actress Jessica Mann.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
The rape charge, going to trial for a third time in New York, relates to accusations from actress Jessica Mann.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
During Perez’s trial, the children’s mother, Yolanda Perez, detailed abuse and threats of rape, according to the Davis Enterprise.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Gillispie was convicted in the rape and kidnapping of twin sisters in one attack and a third woman in a second attack.
—Laura A. Bischoff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Jan. 2026
In that film, there’s a rape and a murder, and various people share their idea of what happened.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
Sam Reed, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2026
Boston man Barry Howze, a schizophrenic patient, allegedly evaded hospital staff and then raped the paralyzed woman in her hospital bed.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Weinstein had previously been convicted of raping Mann in 2020, but the conviction was later thrown out, leading to the retrial.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
The shift in tactics for the 73-year-old and openly ailing Pulp Fiction producer, who has spent almost six years in prison already, came as Faber set a March 3 trial start date for charges that Weinstein raped actress Jessica Mann in 2013.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
The charge is related to an allegation made by Jessica Mann, a former aspiring actress, that Weinstein raped her at a New York hotel in March 2013.
—Adam Reiss, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
In a Huffington Post article published after Fowley’s death, Fuchs said the music manager raped her on a motel bed while others watched.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
One of those transferred, Tremaine Carroll, is awaiting trial on charges of raping two female inmates.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
On July 27, 2022, 20-year-old Kayla Hamilton was raped and murdered in Aberdeen, Maryland.
—Ashley Paul, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
If the rape had happened at a suburban hospital, people would be demanding investigations and accountability.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
However, Weinstein’s attorney Aidala expressed his frustration in court Thursday at the fact that the rape charge was going to a trial for a third time, rather than coming to some kind of resolution with the prosecution.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Harvey Weinstein is considering pleading guilty to a third-degree rape charge to avoid facing trial for a third time, the former Hollywood mogul’s lawyer told a judge in a downtown Manhattan courtroom Thursday.
—Adam Reiss, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
However, the jury remained deadlocked on a third-degree charge accusing him of the rape of actress Jessica Mann.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
The rape charge, going to trial for a third time in New York, relates to accusations from actress Jessica Mann.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
During Perez’s trial, the children’s mother, Yolanda Perez, detailed abuse and threats of rape, according to the Davis Enterprise.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Gillispie was convicted in the rape and kidnapping of twin sisters in one attack and a third woman in a second attack.
—Laura A. Bischoff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Jan. 2026
In that film, there’s a rape and a murder, and various people share their idea of what happened.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
Anna is then raped while the girls—and her video camera—watch.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2026
Boston man Barry Howze, a schizophrenic patient, allegedly evaded hospital staff and then raped the paralyzed woman in her hospital bed.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Weinstein had previously been convicted of raping Mann in 2020, but the conviction was later thrown out, leading to the retrial.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
The shift in tactics for the 73-year-old and openly ailing Pulp Fiction producer, who has spent almost six years in prison already, came as Faber set a March 3 trial start date for charges that Weinstein raped actress Jessica Mann in 2013.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
The charge is related to an allegation made by Jessica Mann, a former aspiring actress, that Weinstein raped her at a New York hotel in March 2013.
—Adam Reiss, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
In a Huffington Post article published after Fowley’s death, Fuchs said the music manager raped her on a motel bed while others watched.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
One of those transferred, Tremaine Carroll, is awaiting trial on charges of raping two female inmates.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
On July 27, 2022, 20-year-old Kayla Hamilton was raped and murdered in Aberdeen, Maryland.
—Ashley Paul, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rape
Noun
-
The bill specifically targeted local jails holding people accused of civil violations.—
Jennifer Mayerle,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
-
If the sale does go through, the administration can still use its enforcement powers to make sure any new owner corrects open violations and adheres to rent-stabilization laws.—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Murder, kidnapping and probably counterfeiting are all still against the rules in college football.—
Mac Engel
January 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) said a possible kidnapping attempt in Weston on Monday morning was deemed to be unfounded following an investigation.—
Steve Maugeri,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In October 2025, Beckerink pleaded no contest to domestic violence charges in connection to two incidents at Tracey's home in New Buffalo, Michigan, as well as one count of contempt for violating his bond, and was sentenced to 93 days in jail.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The lawsuit argues the freeze violated federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional limits on executive power and how Congress appropriates funds.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Federal officials have said agents, including those part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, are seeing increases in assaults and threats against them.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
-
However, after his conviction on assault and harassment charges, Marvel dropped him from future projects.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In the three decades since Amber’s abduction, police have received over 7,000 tips.—
Emily Krauser,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The Fear of 13 is based on the documentary directed by David Sington, which tells the true story of a man who was wrongly convicted in 1982 of the murder, rape and abduction of a Delaware shop assistant.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
With temperatures climbing above freezing and sunny skies melting half the structure, they were forced to start over entirely.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Twenty-two people — two civilians and 20 firefighters — were injured and thousands were forced to evacuate.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rape. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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