rape

Word Origin & History

late 14c., "seize prey; abduct, take by force," from rape (n.) and from Anglo-French raper (Old French rapir) "to seize, abduct," a legal term, probably from past participle of Latin rapere "seize, carry off by force, abduct" (see rapid).

Latin rapere was used for "sexually violate," but only very rarely; the usual Latin word being stuprare "to defile, ravish, violate," related to stuprum (n.), literally "disgrace." Meaning "to abduct (a woman), ravish;" also "seduce (a man)" is from early 15c. in English. Related: Raped; raping. Uncertain connection to Low German and Dutch rapen in the same sense.

Example Sentences forrape

Marriage by rape or by purchase has, however, never been in general usage.

Turnip and rape require at least three pounds of seed to the acre.

Up to 10 years the crime is rape and the penalty is death or imprisonment for life.

Their special offences are assault and battery, rape, theft, and forgery.

Or quasi-existence proceeds from rape to the crooning of lullabies.

Half a line in the Rape of the Lock has made his name immortal.

After rape, do not they themselves drown the infants in the blood of their mothers?

Then the husbands thought of theft; the wives, of rape; and all trembled.

His failing had been intemperance, and his crime a "got up" case of rape.

They would gather all the women, rape them, and cut their throats.

rape

ruin

ruination

ruining

sexual assault

spoliate

waste

wasting

rape

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