rape
Definitions
The crime of forcing someone to have sexual intercourse without their consent.
强奸（罪）
To force someone into sexual intercourse without consent.
强奸
The violent destruction or plundering of a place or resource.
（对地方或资源的）肆意掠夺、蹂躏
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin rapere 'to seize, carry off by force.' The original sense was violent abduction and seizure; English narrowed it to the crime of sexual violation, and keeps a figurative 'plundering' sense (the rape of the land). The same grabbing root gives raptor and rapt.
Root rapt still carries 4 more wordsWhy It Means This
The word is etymologically the same 'seize and carry off' as rapt and raptor — originally it named any violent abduction. Note: the plant called rape (rapeseed, canola) is a completely unrelated word, from Latin rapa/rapum 'turnip,' and has nothing to do with this root.
Usage Guide
A heavy, formal-to-clinical word used in legal, news, and serious discussion. Outside that, the figurative 'plundering' sense (rape of the rainforest) is also strong and deliberate. The homograph rape meaning the oilseed plant (rapeseed oil) is unrelated and harmless — context makes the difference obvious.
Example Sentences
- 1.
He was convicted of rape and sentenced to twelve years.
- 2.
The report documents the systematic rape of the country's forests.
- 3.
Survivors of rape often need long-term support.