to rape / violate
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to rape
To force someone into sexual acts through violence or threats.
Der Täter wurde wegen des Vorwurfs, eine Frau vergewaltigt zu haben, vor Gericht gestellt.
The perpetrator was put on trial over the accusation of having raped a woman.
to violate
To grossly misuse, distort, or destroy something (e.g., a language or an idea) in its original meaning.
Manche Kritiker meinen, dass die schlechte Übersetzung den Roman geradezu vergewaltigt.
Some critics believe that the poor translation practically violates the novel.
The verb is derived from the noun 'die Gewalt' (violence). The prefix 'ver-' and the ending '-igen' turn it into a verb that describes an action involving force or violence.
Gewalt ist die Wurzel dieses schrecklichen Wortes.
Violence is the root of this terrible word.
'Vergewaltigen' (to rape / violate) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all sentence forms and tenses.
Er wurde beschuldigt, sie vergewaltigt zu haben.
He was accused of having raped her.
The object of the verb indicates the meaning. If the object is a person, the literal meaning is intended. If the object is something abstract like a language or an idea, the figurative meaning of misuse is intended.
Der Täter wurde für die Tat verurteilt.
The perpetrator was convicted for the act.
The figurative meaning is a very strong, emotional expression of rejection. It is not a neutral way to say that something was done badly or interpreted incorrectly.
Der Regisseur fand, die gekürzte Fassung vergewaltige sein Werk.
The director felt that the shortened version violated his work.
to misuse / abuse
Both verbs can refer to sexual violence against a person. Vergewaltigen is more specific: it emphasizes forcing someone into sexual acts through violence or threats. Missbrauchen is broader and refers to sexually, physically, or emotionally abusing a person, even without this particular focus.
Der Täter vergewaltigte die Frau, nachdem er sie mit einem Messer bedroht hatte.
The perpetrator raped the woman after threatening her with a knife.
Der Trainer missbrauchte sein Vertrauen und die Abhängigkeit des jungen Sportlers sexuell.
The coach sexually abused the young athlete, taking advantage of his trust and dependence.
