rapist

noun

rap·​ist ˈrā-pist How to pronounce rapist (audio)
plural rapists
Synonyms of rapistnext
: 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.
Nina is now dating the apish Filip (Dame Joveski), Sara’s ex and one of her rapists — unbeknownst to everyone, of course. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026 Andrew Tate took the witness stand Thursday afternoon and denied being a rapist or a human trafficker. — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026 Investigators in Paulding County are searching for more possible victims of a man authorities are calling a serial rapist. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Those watching Furious — Liz Meriwether and Emmy Rossum’s cat-and-mouse thriller about an Epstein-esque victim taking out her rapists one by one — know the series is not so easy to shake. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rapist

Word History

Etymology

rape entry 2 + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapist was in 1867

Rhymes for rapist

See All Rhymes for rapist

Browse Nearby Words

rapini
rapist
raploch
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapist. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

rapist

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rapist

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rapist

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