rapacious

[ ruh-pey-shuhs ]

adjective

1. given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed.
2. inordinately greedy; predatory; extortionate:

   a rapacious disposition.

   Synonyms: grasping, voracious, ravenous

   Antonyms: generous

3. (of animals) subsisting by the capture of living prey; predacious.

rapacious

/ rəˈpæsɪtɪ; rəˈpeɪʃəs /

adjective

1. practising pillage or rapine
2. greedy or grasping
3. (of animals, esp birds) subsisting by catching living prey

Derived Forms

• rapacity, noun
• raˈpaciously, adverb

Other Words From

• ra·pa·cious·ly adverb
• ra·pac·i·ty [r, uh, -, pas, -i-tee], ra·pa·cious·ness noun
• un·ra·pa·cious adjective
• un·ra·pa·cious·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapacious¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin rapāci- (stem of rapāx “greedy,” akin to rapere “to seize”; rape ¹ ) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapacious¹

C17: from Latin rapāx grasping, from rapere to seize

Synonym Study

See avaricious.

Example Sentences

However, this hasn’t stopped rapacious real estate interests from pursuing indiscriminate development which poses a threat to wetlands.

From Salon

While the benefits and risks of AI continue to be debated, one thing is clear: The technology is rapacious for power.

From Los Angeles Times

We discuss the failure of biopics as a form alongside the need or at least rapacious demand for them.

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s a little more complicated than rapacious developers versus hapless birds; there’s plenty of blame to spread around.

From Los Angeles Times

“BlackBerry” is practically one long highlight reel for Glenn Howerton and the volcanic energy he brings to the movie’s rapacious salesman.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ferocious
• greedy
• marauding
• predatory
• ravenous
• voracious