Ravished Meaning: Definition and Examples
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ravished
[ΛrΓ¦vΙͺΚt ]
Definitions
emotional state
Ravished is often used to describe a state of overwhelming emotion, typically associated with intense joy, ecstasy, or rapture. It suggests a complete absorption in a feeling that almost consumes an individual. The term can also imply a sense of being transported beyond ordinary experience, whether through beauty, love, or another strong emotion.
Synonyms
delighted, ecstatic, enraptured.
Examples of usage
- She was ravished by the beauty of the sunset.
- He felt ravished by her smile.
- The audience was ravished by the performance.
physical act
Ravished can denote the act of seizing by force, especially in a context related to sexual violence. It is historically associated with the term 'rape', conveying a significant and traumatic violation of a person's autonomy. This usage carries a heavy and distressing connotation, often linked to discussions about consent and violence.
Synonyms
assaulted, attacked, violated.
Examples of usage
- The villagers were ravished during the conflict.
- She spoke about the horrors of being ravished.
- The narrative described a society where many were ravished against their will.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Shakespeare used 'ravished' in his plays to convey deep emotional states, illustrating the strong feelings characters experienced.
- The romantic poetry of the 18th and 19th centuries frequently described beauty and love as 'ravishing', emphasizing overwhelming delight.
- Modern literature often employs the term to evoke emotional intensity, portraying characters deeply moved by beauty or passion.
Psychology
- Experiencing something ravishing can trigger heightened emotional responses, similar to how one feels during moments of awe.
- This feeling of being 'ravished' can strengthen memories, as intense emotions are linked to better recall of events.
- The concept relates to the idea of 'emotional arousal', where strong feelings can enhance our engagement with art or nature.
Pop Culture
- Songs or movies often reference 'ravished' to convey the depth of love or beauty, signifying an emotional high point in the narrative.
- In fashion, the term is sometimes used to describe stunning looks that captivate audiences, creating a feeling of admiration.
- Social media often portrays experiences that leave individuals feeling 'ravished' by beauty, from breathtaking landscapes to art.
Art
- Visual artists have long used the term to describe scenes that evoke strong emotional responses, such as landscapes that seem to take your breath away.
- In paintings, the subject's 'ravished' expression can communicate a depth of feeling, capturing moments of awe and beauty.
- Art movements like Romanticism celebrated the idea of being 'ravished' by nature's beauty, emphasizing the emotional connection to the natural world.
Origin of 'ravished'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ravished' comes from the Old French term 'ravir', meaning to seize or take away, often associated with emotions.
- In its early use, the term indicated being taken or seized by strong emotions or beauty, rather than todayβs more negative connotation at times.
- The transition of meaning over centuries reflects changes in language, signaling a shift from physical to emotional experiences.
The word 'ravished' comes from the Latin 'rapere', meaning 'to seize' or 'to carry away'. The term evolved through Old French as 'ravir', retaining the sense of being taken violently or forcefully. Its roots are linked to notions of taking with a certain power, often emphasizing the intensity of the act whether in the context of emotions or aggression. Over time, while 'ravished' maintained some of these meanings, its use in emotional contexts gained prominence, especially in literature and poetry, where it depicted a state of blissful surrender or overwhelming joy. The dual connotation of the word, encompassing both ecstasy and violation, makes it particularly impactful in discussions regarding the experiences and feelings of individuals in various scenarios.