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Definition - Transitive Verb
[Latin rapere to seize and take away by force]
: to commit rape on

Definition - Noun
: unlawful sexual activity and usu. sexual intercourse carried out forcibly or under threat of injury against the will usu. of a female or with a person who is beneath a certain age or incapable of valid consent because of mental illness, mental deficiency, intoxication, unconsciousness, or deception
see also statutory rape
The common-law crime of rape involved a man having carnal knowledge of a woman not his wife through force and against her will, and required at least slight penetration of the penis into the vagina. While some states maintain essentially this definition of rape, most have broadened its scope esp. in terms of the sex of the persons and the nature of the acts involved. Marital status is usu. irrelevant. Moreover, the crime is codified under various names, including first degree sexual assault sexual battery unlawful sexual intercourse, and first degree sexual abuse.

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Based on Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©2001. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. http://www.m-w.com