rapist

noun

rap·​ist ˈrā-pist How to pronounce rapist (audio)
plural rapists
: a person who rapes someone : a person who commits rape
a convicted rapist

Examples of rapist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This maximum security facility houses the country's most brutal criminals, including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and terrorists. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 At twenty-one, having long since left home for college, and driven by the desire to protect her siblings, Sinno became one of the rare victims in France to file a complaint against her rapist. Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025 This was about ensuring that criminals — rapists, child abusers, burglars, and violent offenders — are removed from our communities. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 Just over 160 miles to the south of the Antelope Valley, in Borrego Springs, residents were informed in February by the sheriff that another rapist, Alvin Ray Quarles, was being placed in their community. Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapist

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapist was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapist. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

rapist

noun
rap·​ist ˈrā-pəst How to pronounce rapist (audio)
: an individual who commits rape

More from Merriam-Webster on rapist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!