vergewaltigen
rape
Definition & meaning
The verb vergewaltigen refers to the act of forcing someone to engage in sexual activity against their will, constituting the crime of rape.
In a broader, metaphorical sense, it can also mean to violate, force, or treat something with extreme violence or disregard for its natural state or integrity (e.g., "die Wahrheit vergewaltigen" – to twist or distort the truth).
Grammar & Word origin
It is a separable weak verb. The word is composed of the prefix ver- (indicating a negative or destructive action) and the noun Gewalt (force, violence). It essentially translates to "to apply force to someone" in a criminal or non-consensual context.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- missbrauchen (to abuse)
- schänden (to violate/desecrate)
- peinigen (to torment)
- vergewaltigt (past participle form)
Antonyms:
Make “vergewaltigen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Das Gesetz bestraft alle, die jemanden vergewaltigen.verb
The law punishes all who rape someone.
Niemand darf einen anderen Menschen vergewaltigen.verb
No one may rape another person.
Niemand darf jemanden vergewaltigen.verb
No one may rape anyone.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad