'Ravine' descends from Latin 'rapere' (to seize) — a gorge carved by water that snatches earth away.
A deep, narrow gorge with steep sides.
From French 'ravine' meaning 'violent rush of water, mountain torrent,' from Old French 'raviner' (to seize, to sweep away), from Latin 'rapīna' (plunder, robbery), from 'rapere' (to seize, to snatch). A ravine is literally a place that has been 'seized' or 'plundered' by water — carved out by the violent snatching force of torrents. Key roots: ravi (French: "From French 'ravine' meaning 'violent ru").
A ravine is literally a place that has been 'seized' or 'plundered' by water — carved out by the violent snatching force of torrents.