ransack

[ ran-sak ]

verb (used with object)

1. to search thoroughly or vigorously through (a house, receptacle, etc.):

   They ransacked the house for the missing letter.

2. to search through for plunder; pillage:

   The enemy ransacked the entire town.

ransack

/ ˈrænsæk /

verb

1. to search through every part of (a house, box, etc); examine thoroughly
2. to plunder; pillage

Derived Forms

• ˈransacker, noun

Other Words From

• ransack·er noun
• un·ransacked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ransack¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English ransaken, from Old Norse rannsaka “to search, examine (for evidence of crime),” equivalent to rann “house” + saka, variant of sœkja “to search;” seek )

Word History and Origins

Origin of ransack¹

C13: from Old Norse rann house + saka to search, seek

Example Sentences

Overton’s 32 from 21 balls and Archer’s 17-ball 38 helped the visitors ransack 100 in the last 10 overs, including 21 off the final over.

From BBC

In one surveillance image, seven youngsters appear to ransack a 7-Eleven stand filled with chips — Ruffles, Tostitos, Lay’s and others — at a store on Wilshire Boulevard on July 12.

From Los Angeles Times

In the scene, rioters appear to ransack a hallway as Dunn walks calmly through them and talks to the camera about the threat of “bigots” in Congress who it was his duty to protect but who then “denied the violence and trauma that led to the death of some of my fellow officers.”

From Seattle Times

While the British rested, a group of Washington locals, later described by Paul Jennings as “rabble,” took the opportunity to ransack the White House.

From Literature

By that he meant the way representatives from other schools would surely try to lure his players away, using lucrative NIL offers to ransack his team through the transfer portal.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• comb
• gut
• loot
• pillage
• plunder
• raid
• rob
• scour
• seize
• take away