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rape

n. the nonconsensual oral, anal, or vaginal penetration of an individual by another person with a part of the body or an object, using force or threats of bodily harm or taking advantage of the individual’s inability to give or deny consent. U.S. laws defining rape vary by state, but the crime of rape is no longer limited to female victims, to vaginal penetration, or to forcible situations, and the exclusion of spouses as possible perpetrators of rape has been dropped.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

divergent thinking

divergent thinking

creative thinking in which an individual solves a problem or reaches a decision using strategies that deviate from commonly used or previously taught strategies. This term is often used synonymously with lateral thinking. Compare convergent thinking. [defined in 1967 by Joy Paul Guilford]