depredation

[ dep-ri-dey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of preying upon or plundering; robbery; ravage.

depredation

/ ˌdɛprɪˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of plundering; robbery; pillage

Other Words From

• depre·dation·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of depredation¹

1475–85; < Late Latin dēpraedātiōn- (stem of dēpraedātiō ) a plundering, equivalent to dēpraedāt ( us ) ( depredate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Owners of pets or livestock that are threatened or killed by cougars can get a depredation permit to destroy the predator.

From Los Angeles Times

A state depredation permit was issued and a bear was trapped on the property and euthanized, according to Fisher.

From Seattle Times

Kandula faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to a felony charge of depredation of government property.

From Seattle Times

The department paid $28,596 in livestock loss claims and $31,602 for lethal removal operations in response to depredations on livestock.

From Seattle Times

There’s an inescapable implication of depredation and sin.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• wasting