Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Ravish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜
Add to dictionary

ravish

[หˆrรฆvษชสƒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

intense pleasure

To ravish means to seize and carry off by force or to delight intensely. It often carries connotations of overwhelming joy or ecstasy. In literature, it can describe a state of being entranced or crushed by a powerful emotion, usually love or beauty. The word has historical roots in expressions of both violence and sheer pleasure, depending on the context.

Synonyms

delight, enrapture, overwhelm, transport.

Examples of usage

  • The sunset ravished my senses.
  • She was ravished by the beauty of the landscape.
  • His performance ravished the audience.
  • The poem ravishes the heart.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In poetry, ravishing imagery inspires strong emotions, captivating readers like a beautiful painting.
  • Shakespeare used the word in his works to convey deep passion and overwhelming beauty, often in relationships.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a ravishing moment can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine, creating feelings of joy.
  • Intense joy can be linked to childhood experiences, where simple pleasures can โ€˜ravishโ€™ our senses, highlighting the innocence of joy.

Pop Culture

  • The word often appears in romantic songs and movies, indicating emotional intensity in relationships, as when a character feels overwhelmed by love.
  • Ravishing beauties are often described in fashion magazines, emphasizing striking features that captivate the viewer's attention.

Art

  • Artists often create ravishing pieces that evoke strong emotional responses, pulling viewers into the artwork with beauty.
  • The visual appeal of a ravishing landscape can leave viewers in awe, similar to the way great music can provoke intense feelings.

Origin of 'ravish'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'rapere', meaning 'to seize or carry away', which aligns with the idea of being taken away by intense feelings.
  • It entered the English language in the 14th century, originally referring to being seized or kidnapped but evolved to convey intense emotions like delight.

The word 'ravish' originates from the Old French 'ravir', which means 'to seize' or 'to carry away,' derived from the Latin 'rapere,' meaning 'to snatch' or 'to seize.' The Latin root has associations with forceful actions, often linked to the idea of taking something by surprise or by swift force. In Middle English, the term took on a dual meaning, evolving from a more violent context to one that expresses overwhelming delight or ecstasy. Over time, 'ravish' became associated more with emotional experiences, especially in poetry and literature, where it is often used to describe how beauty or love can overpower a personโ€™s senses or emotions. Today, while it can still imply something unwanted or forced in some contexts, it is more popularly used in the realm of art and nature, indicating profound joy and admiration.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,267 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.