ravish
Seize with delight
Ravish has two meanings that pull in opposite directions.
The older sense is to seize and carry away by force, especially to rape—a meaning now largely confined to legal and historical contexts.
But ravish also means to fill with intense delight or ecstasy: She was ravished by the beauty of the landscape.
The adjective ravishing retains only the pleasant sense: a ravishing smile, a ravishing gown.
Violent offensive act
- abuseCruel or violent treatment
- forceStrength or compulsion
- defileTo violate sanctity
- despoilStrip of possessions
violate · deflower · dishonor · outrage · victim · predator · perpetrator · trauma
Capture attention completely
- enchantMagically captivate someone
- fascinateIntensely attract and hold
- beguileCharm into deception
- enthrallTo fascinate utterly
spellbind · bewitch · entrance · enrapture · transfix · charm · dazzle · allure
Perfect, serene felicity
- transportMoving things between places
- elationIntense triumphant joy
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
- exhilarationIntense joyful excitement
thrill · intoxicate · swoon · overcome · overwhelm · fervor · passion · ardor
Extremely impressive or beautiful
- gorgeousStrikingly beautiful
- exquisiteFlawlessly crafted, delicate
- breathtakingAstonishingly beautiful or exciting
- sublimeAwe-inspiring greatness
radiant · resplendent · glorious · magnificent · splendid · dazzling · lovely · beauteous
assault
Violent offensive act
despoil · violate · deflower · dishonor · outrage · victim · predator · perpetrator · trauma · survivor
mesmerize
Capture attention completely
enthrall · spellbind · bewitch · entrance · enrapture · transfix · charm · dazzle · allure · seduce
bliss
Perfect, serene felicity
exhilaration · thrill · intoxicate · swoon · overcome · overwhelm · fervor · passion · ardor · frenzy
stunning
Extremely impressive or beautiful
- gorgeousStrikingly beautiful
- exquisiteFlawlessly crafted, delicate
- breathtakingAstonishingly beautiful or exciting
sublime · radiant · resplendent · glorious · magnificent · splendid · dazzling · lovely · beauteous · fair