Rape
/reɪp/noun
The act of forcing someone to engage in sexual intercourse against their will.
Did you know?The word 'rape' originates from the Latin 'rapere', meaning 'to seize or carry off', linking it to historical acts of violence and conquest.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
rapere
“To seize or carry off, often used in the context of violence and theft.”
Old French
Old French
rappeler
“To carry off, especially in a violent or forceful manner.”
Middle English
Middle English
rapen
“To seize, to take by force or to carry away.”
Modern English
English
rape
“To forcibly engage in sexual intercourse, with a historical context of seizing power.”