Ravishment: meaning, definitions and examples

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ravishment

 

[ ˈrævɪʃmənt ]

Noun
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

Translations of the word "ravishment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rapto

🇮🇳 अपहरण

🇩🇪 Entführung

🇮🇩 penculikan

🇺🇦 викрадення

🇵🇱 porwanie

🇯🇵 誘拐

🇫🇷 enlèvement

🇪🇸 rapto

🇹🇷 kaçırma

🇰🇷 납치

🇸🇦 اختطاف

🇨🇿 unášení

🇸🇰 únos

🇨🇳 绑架

🇸🇮 ropa

🇮🇸 röskun

🇰🇿 ұрлау

🇬🇪 გატაცება

🇦🇿 qaçırma

🇲🇽 rapto

Etymology

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.