Skip to main content
plundering

plundering

2 6.0
The act of taking valuable things by force, often during war
  • noun
  • /ˈplʌndərɪŋ/
translation icon : saqueo
  • During the war, the soldiers were accused of plundering the local villages for food and supplies.

Examples

  • So it's the plundering of the enemy's house.

  • The Empire commanded vast fleets of Viking style long ships which they used for trading, raiding and plundering the seas.

  • A savage plundering of the entire earth is taking place through industrial exploitation.

    Academic text (1993)
  • We stop the plundering and theft of powerful historic relics from around the world.

  • Rampant plundering of sites in Crimea is an ongoing problem.

    Academic text (2002)
  • When this group of Muslim warriors launched their attack and began plundering, the Christian Arabs retreated.

  • The plundering of Iraq's cultural institutions demonstrates yet again how warfare fuels the global trade in looted antiquities.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Germany's violation of Belgium's neutrality and her subsequent plundering of Belgian cities dimmed the glow of German gallantry.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The ancient city showed evidence of plundering, with many artifacts missing from museums.

  • Plundering became rampant in the chaos following the government collapse, leaving many without homes.

Synonyms

theft
vsplundering
356 1.1

An act of taking someone else's property without permission to keep it

is narrower in context, applying especially to wartime or chaotic stealing
looting
vsplundering
72 4.9

Stealing things from shops, often during a riot or disaster

is more general for stealing in wartime or chaotic situations
larceny
vsplundering
  • Formal
45 7.2

Stealing something that belongs to someone else to keep it

is similar legally but emphasizes wartime or disorder contexts rather than general crime
rape
vsplundering
  • Offensive
22 9.9

The violent taking and destruction of land and goods during war

is broader and applies to wartime stealing without full territorial destruction
thieving
vsplundering
20 3.7

The act of taking things from other people without permission

is more about singular wartime or disorderly acts than ongoing theft practice
thievery
vsplundering
14 5.6

The act of taking things that belong to other people without permission

is focused on theft that happens during war or chaotic situations
pillaging
vsplundering
7 7.7

Taking things from places like shops during war or disaster

is broader, covering various wartime stealing and disorderly looting
stealing
vsplundering
5 1.0

Taking something that belongs to another person without permission

applies to acts done in war or chaotic situations rather than usual crimes
pillage
vsplundering
5 8.1

Stealing things from buildings during war or riots

is a general word for wartime or disorderly stealing rather than only this act
banditry
vsplundering
2 7.9

The act of attacking people to steal from them, often done by organized gangs

is focused on wartime or disorderly stealing rather than organized gang attacks
rapine
vsplundering
  • Archaic
1 9.9

Violent stealing of things from people, often during war

is a wider term for wartime or disorderly theft, not only violent seizure
spoliation
vsplundering
1 9.9

Taking goods by force, often during war or disorder

focuses more broadly on stealing during war or disorder rather than legal aspects
spoilation
vsplundering
  • Archaic
9.9

Taking things by force from a place, often during war

is centered on wartime or chaotic theft rather than only forceful stripping
despoliation
vsplundering
9.9

A violent taking of valuable things from a place like a temple or forest

is similar but highlights wartime or disorder contexts rather than general violence
plunderage
vsplundering
9.9

An act of stealing goods, often the cargo from a ship

is broader, covering many wartime or disorderly theft types beyond ships
freebooting
vsplundering
  • Archaic
9.9

An attack on ships or coasts to steal goods

is more general for stealing during war or disorder, not limited to sea raids

Antonyms

98 3.4

The act of returning something to its original state

2.9

Coming back after being gone

How Violent

pillaging
7 7.7
plundering
2 6.0
looting
72 4.9
burglary
155 3.0
theft
356 1.1

Surface Forms

plundering singular
plunderings plural

Morphology

plundering = plunder (transparent) = plunder + ing

A nominalization/gerund formed from the verb 'plunder', so the meaning 'the act of stealing/looting' is directly derived.

Etymology

Plundering comes from an old German word plundern meaning 'to take goods by force', and the word plunder became the name for the things taken. So plundering is the act of looting or stealing, especially in war or disorder.