Definition of ravishnext
1
as in to delight
to fill with overwhelming emotion (as wonder or delight) travelers have long been ravished with wonder and awe by the immensity of the Great Pyramid at Giza

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2
as in to violate
to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent invaders guilty of murdering and ravishing villagers

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ravish Del Toro’s dark, ravishing fantasy set in Francoist Spain — which had taken years to finance and produce, endured a brutal production and emerged from post barely in time — was the last film to screen in competition at that year’s festival. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 From there, the scene jumps to Milan, where Andy and Miranda are seen attending myriad fashion shows and wearing a series of ravishing getups, all soundtracked once again by Madonna’s 1990 hit. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 However, her origin myth, in which she was hatched from an egg laid by her mother, Leda, who had been ravished by Zeus in the guise of a swan, is plainly invention. Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026 The ravishing dress was accessorized by equally astonishing Bulgari diamonds. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ravish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ravish
Verb
  • Looking particularly gorgeous on a recent visit were the overflowing boxes of stone fruit varieties from Rojas Family Farms — delights rendered especially irresistible with a $4-per-pound mix-and-match deal.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Video showed Quansah’s studs colliding with Gallardo’s calf and the referee issued Quansah a red card that delighted the crowd as England’s lineup was reduced to 10 men.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • The deal could close as soon as July 22, though several states, including Oregon and California, are investigating whether the $111 billion transaction violates their antitrust laws.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • In an 80-page ruling obtained by Rolling Stone, the Puerto Rico Supreme Court found that Carliz De La Cruz Hernández can move forward with her claim that the recording’s use violated her right to protect her identity from commercial exploitation.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Making price info less accessible The order to be voted on later this month includes a few other changes that will please ISPs and their lobby groups.
    Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026
  • Oviedo residents turned out by the hundreds for the sunny afternoon of crowd-pleasing contests and down-home edibles at tiny booths lining a grassy lot next to the Meat World parking lot.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • The world was enraptured by Kennedy and Bessette (portrayed on the series by Sarah Pidgeon), who were constantly trailed by the paparazzi and scrutinized by the tabloid media.
    Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026
  • The show has enraptured New York, drawing rave reviews, nine Tony nominations, including best revival of a musical, and starry attendees, including Zendaya, Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • My children can happily spend 40 minutes walking around a store, fascinated by packaging, choice and conversations with staff.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Its incredible restoration under a charismatic Italian priest, his tragic disappearance and presumed death during the Syrian civil war, and the inspiring interfaith work of the monastery's remaining monks and nuns all fascinated me.
    Emily Feng, NPR, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The pledge did not immediately satisfy hardline conservatives, who ground operations in the House to a halt last week.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • The problem is that, even though the product satisfies the need, the consumer didn't care.
    David Mahbub, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Clark’s Elioak Farm, at 10600 Clarksville Pike, has a lot to offer in addition to its Enchanted Forest features that have truly enchanted kids for decades.
    Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
  • Theron plays the nymph Calypso, who keeps Odysseus enchanted on her island for seven years.
    Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Swift and Kelce have been in a relationship since 2023, enthralling millions around the world.
    Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • After taking in a World Cup match earlier in the week, Beckham was equally enthralled by tennis a few days later.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ravish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ravish. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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