ravish

Definition of ravishnext
1
as in to delight
to fill with overwhelming emotion (as wonder or delight) travelers have long been ravished with wonder and awe by the immensity of the Great Pyramid at Giza

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2
as in to violate
to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent invaders guilty of murdering and ravishing villagers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ravish Del Toro’s dark, ravishing fantasy set in Francoist Spain — which had taken years to finance and produce, endured a brutal production and emerged from post barely in time — was the last film to screen in competition at that year’s festival. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 From there, the scene jumps to Milan, where Andy and Miranda are seen attending myriad fashion shows and wearing a series of ravishing getups, all soundtracked once again by Madonna’s 1990 hit. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 However, her origin myth, in which she was hatched from an egg laid by her mother, Leda, who had been ravished by Zeus in the guise of a swan, is plainly invention. Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026 The ravishing dress was accessorized by equally astonishing Bulgari diamonds. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ravish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ravish
Verb
  • This lighthearted cameo delighted longtime fans and underscored that, while the late-night institution has closed, Colbert himself isn't disappearing from the spotlight anytime soon.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Judge Sullivan concluded in his June 25 decision to order Blanche to release more information or explain himself that Blanche had likely violated the transparency law.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Guests were reportedly required to sign nondisclosure agreements before receiving any event details (although the NDAs were said not to have included any penalties for violating the terms).
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Create Layers Gardens in shade often rely less on color and more on other attributes to please the eye.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026
  • The steeply descending main street of Haworth is filled with tea shops, pubs and stores clearly dedicated to pleasing Brontë pilgrims, but its basic form, including the original stationery store where the sisters once bought their paper, remains the same.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The world was enraptured by Kennedy and Bessette (portrayed on the series by Sarah Pidgeon), who were constantly trailed by the paparazzi and scrutinized by the tabloid media.
    Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026
  • The show has enraptured New York, drawing rave reviews, nine Tony nominations, including best revival of a musical, and starry attendees, including Zendaya, Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • The Vesuvius disaster and its immense human toll continue to fascinate historians and the public millennia later.
    Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Denby, as a critic, was fascinated by the great dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, as much for his expressions as for his torso, arms, or legs.
    Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • If there isn't enough money to satisfy every creditor, state probate laws determine the order in which claims are paid.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • The Justices ruled the president cannot redefine birthright citizenship, and all children who are born in the United States, whether their parents are in the country legally or not, satisfy citizenship requirements in the 14th amendment.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The country was playing in the World Cup for just the third time and the run enchanted a nation that is normally far more interested in hockey than the pitch.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Ideal for a wedding or black-tie gala, Hannah Bronfman’s twisty updo and face-framing tendrils are sure to enchant.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • He was enthralled by Helga Monson de Kansky.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • Many people who met Nijinsky were enthralled by that curious face.
    Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ravish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ravish. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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