antirape
|an-ti-rape|
/ˌæn.tiˈreɪp/
against rape / prevent rape
Etymology
'antirape' is formed in English from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-', meaning 'against') combined with the noun 'rape' (from Latin 'rapere').
The element 'anti-' comes from Greek 'anti-' (meaning 'against') and was adopted into English as a productive prefix; 'rape' entered English via Latin 'rapere' and Old French, originally meaning 'to seize' and later narrowing to sexual assault in modern English. These elements were combined in modern English compounds (e.g. 'anti-rape', 'antirape') in recent decades to label policies and movements opposing rape.
The components originally meant 'against' (anti-) and 'to seize' (rapere); over time 'rape' developed the specific modern meaning of sexual assault, and the compound came to mean 'against rape' or 'intended to prevent rape.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a measure, program, law, or campaign intended to prevent rape or reduce sexual assault (often used as an umbrella term for efforts aimed at rape prevention).
Antirape efforts in the city now include free late-night transportation and expanded counseling services.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
opposed to or intended to prevent rape; used to describe policies, measures, campaigns, or products designed to reduce the incidence of rape.
The antirape campaign promoted by the university emphasized consent education and bystander training.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/08 16:09