Ravish
/ˈræv.ɪʃ/noun
To seize and carry off by force; to abduct.
Did you know?In medieval literature, 'ravish' was often linked to divine ecstasy, where the soul is seized by a higher power, blurring the line between love and violence.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*rebh-
“To seize, take away, or rob.”
Latin
Latin
rapere
“To seize or snatch away.”
Old French
Old French
ravir
“To carry off, abduct.”
Middle English
Middle English
ravisshen
“To seize, take away forcefully.”
Modern English
English
ravish
“To carry off by force; to fill with intense delight or ecstasy.”