rapes

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of rape.

   The prosecutor presented evidence connecting the suspect to a series of rapes across the county.

   Advocacy groups argued that many rapes go unreported each year.

   Note

   The countable plural, used when separate incidents are being counted or compared: a series of rapes, unreported rapes. When the crime is meant in general, English keeps the uncountable singular, so the plural signals distinct acts. The same plural once served the older meanings of plunder and abduction, now archaic. The slang use for a crushing defeat is sometimes considered offensive and is best avoided.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present indicative of rape.

   The statute declares that anyone who rapes another commits a felony of the first degree.

   In the tragedy, the conquering general who rapes and plunders is ultimately destroyed by his own crimes.

   Note

   Nearly always transitive: someone rapes someone, and the object is named. Only the meaning of seizing by force can also stand without an object. Paired with plunder or despoil, the verb keeps its meaning of laying waste, as in "rapes and plunders". The slang "trounces" use carries the same caution as the plural noun.

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