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Ravishment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ravishment

[หˆrรฆvษชสƒmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

emotional state

Ravishment refers to an overwhelming feeling of joy or ecstasy. It can describe a state of being completely captivated or enchanted by something beautiful or joyous. In a literary sense, it often conveys deep emotional responses, linking to a sense of spiritual or artistic fulfillment. Additionally, it can embody a sense of being taken away by overwhelming feelings, sometimes beyond reason.

Synonyms

delight, ecstasy, enchantment, rapture.

Examples of usage

  • She was filled with ravishment upon seeing the breathtaking sunset.
  • The artist's work evoked a sense of ravishment in all who viewed it.
  • His performance left the audience in a state of pure ravishment.
Context #2 | Noun

forceful act

Ravishment can also denote the act of seizing someone by force, usually in a sexual context. This usage highlights the violent nature of the act and its implications of loss of control and agency for the victim. It historically carries significant legal and moral weight, drawing attention to the effects of coercion and violence against individuals.

Synonyms

abduction, assault, kidnapping, violation.

Examples of usage

  • The ravishment reported in the news shocked the local community.
  • Victims of ravishment often face long-term psychological trauma.
  • The law sternly addresses cases of ravishment to protect the vulnerable.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In poetry, the term often describes intense emotional experiences, such as overwhelming joy or despair.
  • Famous works like Shakespeare's sonnets frequently explore the dichotomy of love's ravishment, combining beauty and turmoil.
  • The Romantic poets used the term to convey the sublime, representing nature's beauty that could leave one breathless.

Psychology

  • The concept connects to emotional states where individuals may feel completely absorbed by their feelings, creating an altered state of consciousness.
  • Experiences of ravishment can trigger strong psychological responses, such as awe or fear, impacting one's mental well-being.
  • In therapeutic contexts, understanding the effects of emotional ravishment can help in processing overwhelming experiences.

Pop Culture

  • The term appears in various films and songs, often symbolizing obsessive love or desire, intensifying emotions portrayed in storytelling.
  • In modern media, a character's ravishment often indicates a pivotal moment where they surrender to their emotions or desires.
  • Popular music frequently references the feeling of being 'ravished' by love, highlighting its romantic yet tumultuous nature.

Legal History

  • Historically, 'ravishment' referred not only to intense emotional states but also to instances of abduction or sexual violence, dictating legal ramifications.
  • Legally, the term has evolved, leading to contemporary discussions on consent and personal agency, reflecting societal changes over time.
  • The use of 'ravishment' in court cases has declined, as the language surrounding sexual offenses has more generally shifted towards clearer definitions.

Origin of 'ravishment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'ravissement,' which means a feeling of ecstasy or being carried away.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'rapere,' meaning 'to seize' or 'to take.'
  • Over time, 'ravishment' has gained connotations of both delight and violation, reflecting its complex usage in literature.

The term 'ravishment' originates from the Middle English word 'ravisshment,' which means 'the act of carrying away' or 'seizing with power.' It is derived from the Old French term 'ravir,' meaning 'to seize' or 'to carry off.' The word has roots in Latin 'rapere,' which also means 'to seize' or 'to snatch away.' Historically, 'ravishment' has been used in both positive and negative contexts, describing overwhelming pleasure and beauty, as well as violent violations of autonomy and consent. Over time, the dual meanings have caused the word to carry significant emotional and legal connotations, reflecting society's complex views on consent, agency, and the experience of both joy and despair.