rape
UK: reɪp | US: reɪp
n. 1. The crime of forcing someone to engage in sexual intercourse without their consent.
n. 2. (Archaic) The act of seizing or carrying off by force.
vt. 1. To commit the crime of sexual assault.
vt. 2. (Archaic) To seize or plunder violently.
The word "rape" originates from the Latin rapere, meaning "to seize or carry off by force." This root also gave rise to words like "rapid" (originally implying swift seizure) and "rapt" (carried away emotionally). Over time, the term narrowed in English to specifically denote sexual violence, reflecting its historical association with abduction and violation. The silent "e" is a vestige of Middle English spelling conventions.
The court convicted him of rape after a lengthy trial.
In ancient myths, gods often raped mortal women, reflecting patriarchal violence.
The invaders raped the village, taking both goods and prisoners.
(Archaic) The warlord's troops raped the countryside, leaving destruction in their wake.
Legal reforms have strengthened penalties for rape in many jurisdictions.