Ravished: meaning, definitions 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
Etymology
- 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.
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.