ravish

[rav-ish] /ˈræv ɪʃ/
verb (used with object)
1.
to fill with strong emotion, especially joy.
2.
to seize and carry off by force.
3.
to carry off (a woman) by force.
4.
to rape (a woman).
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English ravishen < Middle French raviss-, long stem of ravir to seize ≪ Latin rapere; see rape1
Related forms
ravishedly, adverb
ravisher, noun
unravished, adjective
Can be confused
ravage, ravish.
Synonyms
1. enrapture, transport, enthrall, delight, captivate.
British Dictionary definitions for ravish

ravish

/ˈrævɪʃ/
verb (transitive)
1.
(often passive) to give great delight to; enrapture
2.
to rape
3.
(archaic) to carry off by force
Derived Forms
ravisher, noun
ravishment, noun
Word Origin
C13: from Old French ravir, from Latin rapere to seize
Word Origin and History for ravish
v.

c.1300, "to seize (someone) by violence, carry (a person, especially a woman) away," from Old French raviss-, present participle stem of ravir "to seize, take away hastily," from Vulgar Latin *rapire, from Latin rapere "to seize and carry off, carry away suddenly, hurry away" (see rapid). Meaning "to commit rape upon" is recorded from mid-15c. Related: Ravished; ravishing.